Oxidation stabilization of 2D-pan fiber-pitch matrix carbon-carbon composites

This study investigates the oxidation stabilization of 2-d PAN fiber-pitch matrix C-C composites. Two types of pitch, isotropic and 80% mesophase, are used as the matrix precursor for the fabrication of C-C composites. Suitable oxidation stabilization treatments were found effective not only in restriction of bloating/delamination of the composites during carbonization, but also in increase in carbon yield. The best stabilization condition was determined to be about 20hrs at 200°C for the Aerocarb 70 preforms, and about 5hrs at 200°C for the 80% mesophase preforms. The stabilized layer was present not only as a surface crust, but also deep in the composite around fiber bundles as well as pores and cracks, due to their easy paths for oxygen penetration.