Processing and characterization of robust carbon-carbon composites from inexpensive petroleum pitch without re-impregnation process

Robust carbon/carbon composite were developed solely from inexpensive petroleum pitch matrix and chopped carbon fiber reinforcement without cyclic reimpregnation process and have been characterized. The paper emphasizes on investigating the properties and behaviors of the same. Hot compression molding of chemically treated pitch as a binder and thermally treated pitch as a base matrix was carried out followed by single step carbonization. Specimens were characterized by UTM, TGA, TMA, SEM, Polarized light optical microscope, Tribometer etc. For physical characterization viz. density and porosity analysis, standard methods were utilized. Satisfactory results have been obtained. Densities of the samples appeared in the range of 1.50-1.73 g/cc. Carbon/carbon composite showed an increasing trend in their properties as the reinforcement content increased along with exceptional compression loading. Overall, the specimens are robust and have performed well in mechanical tests. Reinforcing as well as dispersing phase have shown high compatibility.