Effect of intercalation on electrical and mechanical properties of C/C composites Original Research Article

The work is concerned with modification of C/C composites by intercalation of copper chloride. The samples of composites were made from graphite fibres and carbon matrix derived from mesophase pitch and from phenol–formaldehyde resin. The samples were prepared by impregnating graphite fibres with a liquid pitch or polymer solution to obtain unidirectional laminates. The laminates were used to prepare the composites which were then subjected to carbonization and graphitization up to 2150 °C. The work discusses the problem relevant to the effect of intercalation on mechanical and electrical properties of composites. The studies indicated that both mesophase pitch-based composites and phenolic-derived carbon–carbon composites changed their electrical and mechanical properties upon intercalation with copper chloride. Electrical conductivity of both types of composites decreased as a result of the damages formed during intercalation.