Effect of carbon nanotube addition on the tribological behavior of carbon/carbon composites

Carbon nanotube composite coatings were applied onto carbon/carbon composites to improve wear properties. Carbon nanotubes have been prepared by catalytic pyrolysis of hydrocarbons. The nanotube slurry was prepared by addition of phenolic resin and solvent to infiltrate into C/C composites. The nanotube added composites were then carbonized in a nitrogen atmosphere. Ball-on-disc type wear tests were performed to evaluate the tribological properties of the carbon nanotube added carbon composites. The result showed that addition of nanotube has the potential to increase the wear resistance of carbon composites. Changes in Raman spectra, morphology and surface damage were studied to explain observed wear behavior.