Applications of Carbon/Carbon Composites

As is evident from the previous chapters, carbon/carbon composites of the desired shape with properties required for particular application can be produced by meticulously choosing the type, architecture, and amount of carbon fiber and matrix precursor, and the processing conditions. Therefore, carbon/carbon composites are considered to be a class of materials with a wide spectrum of properties and applications. Moreover, the ongoing development of high-performance carbon fibers, high char yielding synthetic resins, and pitches continuously add to the spectrum of carbon/carbon properties and products. It is with these milestones, carbon/ carbon composites, which, were developed about 30 years ago to meet the anticipated needs of the emerging space program, are regarded nowadays as logical addition to the members of fine-grained carbons and graphites. Carbon/carbon composites offer a large potential as high-performance engineering material. Therefore, in addition to the special defense, aircraft, and spacecraft applications, a steady interest is also growing in civil market segments.