Carbon--carbon materials for ablative environments

AbstractA family of carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon (and graphite) composites was developed for high-temperature applications. The method of screening for ablation resistance is described. The effects of filament orientation, matrix composition, and heat treatment are related to ablation performance. Between the angles of 15 and 75 deg a general insensitiveness to filament orientation is reported. Materials having a chemical vapor deposited matrix usually performed better than a carbonized organic counterpart. Graphitized materials are more effective than less ordered forms. Process control may be more important than specific composite constituents.