Mechanical properties enhancement of carbon/carbon composites by in situ grown carbon nanofibers

Carbon/carbon (C/C) composites with in situ grown carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were fabricated. Results showed that CNFs had significant benefit on improving mechanical properties of C/C composites. It was concluded that CNFs could be involved in serving as a second reinforcement for composites and absorbed more energy leading to higher mechanical properties. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.