Influence of oxidation on fracture toughness of carbon-carbon composites for high-temperature applications

Abstract

Carbon-Carbon Composites (C-CC), used as composites for their remarkable qualities in the space industry and in many other industry sectors. C-CC has proven to be the most efficient material in extreme temperature situations. They are one among the best high-temperature materials with good thermal quality, such as high-temperature stability, outstanding thermal conductivity and low-temperature expansion coefficients. In aircraft, railways, trucks and even race vehicles, C-CC brake disks are in high demand. Compared to the favorable thermal and mechanical qualities of C-CC, their great sensitivity to oxidation in an oxidizing environment at temperatures even around 400°C is a major restriction with these composites. In particular, a study of the C-CC oxidation mechanism helps to create protective measures for these composites. The present experimental study explores the influence of oxidation in static air on the fracture toughness of C-CC. At a temperature of around 400°C to 700°C in an increment of 100°C, an oxidation evaluation of the material is carried out. Results show that there was a significant decrease in the fracture toughness when there was an increase in temperature from 400°C to 700°C. We can observe that C-CC fracture toughness is severely affected by oxidation. The decrease in the fracture toughness value in comparison with room temperature was 6% for 400°C and 45% for 700°C. © 2021.