Possibility of Densification of Carbon-Carbon Composites with Coal Tar Pitch using Microwave Heating

Abstract

In this article, the possibilities of impregnation of C-C composites with coal tar pitches in a microwave field are discussed. The structural changes in the pitch are investigated by means of FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and XRD. The favorable effect of microwave heating is explained by structural changes which take place in situ during the impregnation. The spectroscopically proven splitting of large molecules improves flow properties of the pitch and facilitates the filling of the open pores. The structural changes in the pitch proceed quite rapidly so that the process is practically terminated in a relatively short time (after about 5 min) of the microwave action. Reduction of the porosity of the composites to a desired value can therefore be performed in several short steps. It seems that the method can reduce the costs of the preparation of C-C composites and render it more ecological.

Keywords

carbon-carbon composites coal tar pitch impregnation mechanical properties

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