Introduction of nanostructures in carbon–carbon composites

The properties of carbon–carbon composites are predominantly dictated by the microstructure of carbon reinforcement and matrix system. In order to control this, studies were undertaken on the effect of introduction of nanostructured carbons in fibers as well as matrix system on microstructure of modified composites. Composites were made with vapour grown carbons, thermosetting (polyfurfuryl alcohol) as well as isotropic and mesophase pitch matrices. The amount was varied between 1 wt.% and 5 wt.%. The composites were heat treated to 1000 °C and 3000 °C. The structural transformations were studied as functions of heat treatment. These were studied using XRD, SEM and Raman spectroscopy. It has been observed that addition of these nanostructured materials bring about nanocrystalline anisotropic orientation at the interfaces, which increase the mechanical, thermal and electrical conductivity of the composites.