SILICA SURFACED CARBON FIBERS.
Abstract
A new and useful family of surface treated carbon and graphite fibers was developed which uniquely combines the desirable properties of silica and carbon compositions. These new materials thus effectively bridge the performance gap between existing pure silica and pure carbon fibers. Several economical and simple processes were developed for obtaining research quantities of silica surfaced carbon filaments. Vat dipping processes were utilized to deposit an oxide such as silica onto the surface and into the micropores of available carbon or graphite base fibers. High performance composite materials were prepared with the surface treated carbon fibers and various resin matrices. The ablative characteristics of these composites were very promising and exhibited fewer limitations than either silica or carbon fiber reinforced plastics. It is anticipated, therefore, that the new surface treated carbon fibers will find numerous uses for reentry heat shields, internal insulation in rocket motors and engines, and in other areas of high temperature technology. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0481970
Entities
People
- D. L. Schmidt
- H. T. Hawkins
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory