Carbon-carbon composite, also commonly referred to as reinforced carbon-carbon. These materials are resistant to high temperatures (oxygen-free conditions), have high mechanical strength at high temperatures, are light in weight, and have high specific strength. In particular, these materials have good absorption properties for certain waves. Therefore, carbon-carbon composite materials are widely used in aerospace and military industries.
Carbon-Carbon Composites Properties
The structure of carbon carbon composite is incredibly strong and is formed from carbon fibers. CCCs exhibit exceptional strength not only at room temperature, but also at high temperatures, which makes them a suitable candidate for application in demanding areas.
Carbon-carbon composites are able to withstand extremely high temperatures and not become brittle. So they are also commonly used in ultra-high heat applications including defense and automotive applications.
Carbon-carbon composites have good corrosion resistance. They do not rust or break down with chemicals or moisture, as metals do. It makes them ideal for use in extreme environments where traditional materials would not stand up.
Carbon-Carbon Composite Manufacturing
First, carbon fibers are woven into a fabric or mat to create carbon-carbon composites. Therefore, these fibers are impregnated with a carbon matrix, usually with the help of a process called chemical vapor infiltration (CVI). The fibers are held together by a matrix thereby setting a solid structure. This composite is then heated to high temperatures to development its aeropropulsion properties.
It is a manufacturing process that enables great customization; the end product can be optimized for certain applications. This results in a material with extremely high strength and low weight with a superb thermal signature.
Types of Carbon-Carbon Composites
Fiber-Reinforced Carbon Composites
The most common type we manufacturer is carbon fiber-reinforced composites. They have a structure of carbon fibers inside of a Kohlenstoff-based matrix. The fibers contribute strength and rigidity, whereas the matrix imparts stability and durability. The result of this combination is that fiber-reinforced composites are well suited for tendon and high-performance applications.
Carbon-Carbon Composites with Ceramic Matrix
Certain carbon-carbon composites are reinforced with a ceramic matrix. The ceramic adds resistance to wear and thermal shock. This makes these composites even more stable and heat-resistant, perfect for use in extreme environments, like rocket nozzles or brake discs.
Carbon-Carbon Composites Applications
These are widely used in aerospace as carbon-carbon composites. They withstand extreme temperatures and provide significant strength at low weight, making them ideal for use in jet engine components, brake systems and heat shields.
The carbon-carbon composite material used as brake pads is light in weight, has a low friction coefficient and has high braking ability at high temperatures.
As structural materials for aircraft, they are strong and corrosion-resistant, and the fuselage will not deform or corrode under long-term operation.
Carbon-carbon composite materials can be used to melt silicon materials in vacuum furnaces to grow high-quality single crystals. It provides a high-quality thermal field for the CZ single crystal process to ensure the structural integrity of the single crystal.
Based on its usage in the military, carbon-carbon composites are used in numerous applications like missile components, armor-piercing projectiles, and heat shields. Even defense technologies are requiring sensors with the ability to work in extreme conditions of temperature and pressure.