Effect of anti-oxidative filler on the interfacial mechanical properties of carbon-carbon composites measured at high temperature

PAN-based carbon fibers impregnated with phenolic resin used as the precursor of carbonized matrix was modified by addition the anti-oxidative filler: molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) in different contents, i.e., 0, 4, 12 and 20% by weight. These composites were unidirectionally fabricated by the prepreg method, and were submitted to carbonization (heat treated to 1100 degrees C) and graphitization (to 2300 degrees C), via a one step manufacturing process. In this work, the influence of MoSi2 content on the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of the composites was measured at room temperatures and 1000 degrees C. The presence of MoSi2 in the C-C composites was found to significantly increase the toughness and degree of adhesion at interfaces between carbon fibers and resin matrix. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.