Effect of matrix texture on tensile strength and oxidation behavior of carbon fiber reinforced carbon composites Original Research Article

Unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced carbon composites (CC composites) with different matrix textures were prepared from six matrix precursors. Two composites with an optically isotropic matrix showed tensile strength and modulus values that increased on heat treatment of the samples at a high temperature. Composites with an anisotropic matrix, having preferred orientation parallel to fiber surface, were deformed due to shrinkage as the graphitic structure developed on heat treatment. This caused the fibers to be exfoliated from the anisotropic matrix, as a result of residual stresses generated by restriction of matrix shrinkage. The strengths of the composites with an anisotropic matrix were reduced after graphitization.