Effect of carbon fabric type on properties of 2D carbon–carbon composites processed by liquid pitch impregnation–pyrolysis

The present study reports on the microstructural, physical, thermal and mechanical properties of two types (A and B) of carbon–carbon composites processed by an economical route. Skeleton composites were first made by pyrolysing laminated carbon fibre-reinforced phenolic composites and subsequently densified by liquid pitch impregnation–pyrolysis process. Both types of composite employed polyacrylonitrile-based 8-harness satin woven carbon fabrics, Type A being woven with tows of continuous fibres, whereas Type B used yarns of discontinuous fibres. Experimental results indicated that the Type A composite had better flexural and tensile modulus and strength values. However, the Type B composite had better interlaminar shear strength and through-thickness thermal conductivity, despite being less dense. These results are discussed and explained from microstructural and fractographic analysis using optical and scanning electron microscopes. Finally, the results were compared with those intended for similar applications.