Carbon-fibre-reinforced carbon composite filled with SiC particles forming a porous matrix

A carbon-fibre-reinforced carbon (C/C) composite filled with silicon carbide (SiC) particles was produced, using the winding technique. A porous matrix consisting of glassy carbon, SiC particles and small pores in homogeneous distribution was produced, ensuring a damage-tolerant fracture behaviour. Neither fibre coatings nor further infiltration steps were necessary for the preparation of the composite, which makes this a low-cost process making no limitations on wall thickness. The microstructure and homogeneity of the material is shown using micrographs, mercury porosimetry and BET measurements. Bending tests, as well as single-edge notch beam (SENB) tests point to high values for the bending strength and formal fracture toughness. A damage-tolerant fracture behaviour is demonstrated by the load–displacement curves and fracture surfaces.