Carbon-carbon composites prepared by a rapid densification process I: Synthesis and physico-chemical data Original Research Article

A new process for the rapid densification (1.5–2 mm h−1 at 1000 °C for a carbon felt) of carbon porous preforms is described and physico-chemical data are given: density, porosity, and kinetics. The reinforcements chosen in this study are a Le Carbone Lorraine® rayon based felt (RVC 2000) and two types of PAN based carbon fibers (T 300 type and AS 4 Courtaulds). The composites are processed with cyclohexane as a precursor in the 900–1350 °C temperature range. The reasons for rapid densification by this peculiar process are discussed considering the thermal gradient which exists within the preform.