Carbon fiber composites applications

Detailed accounts of fibers and carbon-carbon composites can be found in several recently published books [1-5]. Here, details of novel carbon fibers and their composites are reported. The manufacture and applications of adsorbent carbon fibers are discussed in Chapter 3. Active carbon fibers are an attractive adsorbent because their small diameters (typically 6-20 pm) offer a kinetic advantage over granular activated carbons whose dimensions are typically 1-5 mm. Moreover, active carbon fibers contain a large volume of mesopores and micropores. Current and emerging applications of active carbon fibers are discussed. The manufacture, structure and properties of high performance fibers are reviewed in Chapter 4, whereas the manufacture and properties of vapor grown fibers and their composites are reported in Chapter 5. Low density (porous) carbon fiber composites have novel properties that make them uniquely suited for certain applications. The properties and applications of novel low density composites developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are reported in Chapter 6. 

A recently developed adsorbent version of ORNL s porous carbon fiber-carbon binder composite is named carbon fiber composite molecular sieve (CFCMS). The CFCMS monoliths were the product of a collaborative research program between ORNL and the University of Kentucky, Center for Applied Energy Research (UKCAER) [19-21]. The monoliths are manufactured in the manner described in Section 2 from P200 isotropic pitch derived fibers. While development of these materials is in its early stages, a number of potential applications can be identified. 

As mentioned earlier PMR polyimide thermosts are used as matrix resins for glass- and carbon fiber composites, mainly in aeroengine applications. At this point it has to be mentioned that the thermal oxidative stability of a PMR composite is dependent on the type of fiber used (113) and the cure conditions (time/temperature/atmosphere) employed for molding. Very interesting is the observed higher thermal oxidative stability of PMR-II composites when cured/-... 

These expensive carbon-carbon fiber composites are used for thermally demanding applications like aircraft and racecar brakes. Typically, both pads and rotors are made of carbon composite. These friction couples have a relatively low friction level, which is insensitive to the high temperatures experienced in operation. Friction couple components are expensive to manufacture as they are fabricated by time-consuming chemical vapor deposition techniques. Carbon-carbon systems suffer from low cold friction and are best suited for hot operation. 

The effectiveness of using the thermal input for EB crosslinking of carbon-fiber composite matrix materials to reduce dose was shown by M. Lavalle. Proper combinations of monomer, sulfur and metals subjected to ionizing radiation were found to produce nano-particles that could be of use in electronic applications. 

An up-date of the status of EB curing of carbon fiber composites was presented by A. Berejka. Developments proven successful for aerospace applications are now being seriously scrutinized for automotive use. The diversity of proven uses of radiation grafting for uses in batteries, porous film and non-woven filters, and release coated films and papers was also presented. Opportunities for use of grafting in biomedical applications, composites technology, and fuel cell membrane development were also discussed. 

Kovacs, P. 1993. In vitro studies of the electrochemical behavior of carbon-fiber composites, in Composite Materials for Implant Applications in the Human Body Characterization and Testing, ASTM STP 1178. R.D. Jamison and L.N. Gilbertson, Eds. ASTM, Philadelphia, PA, pp. 41-52. 

MAJOR APPLICATIONS Printed circuit boards, laminating powder, carbon-fiber composites for aero-engines and military aircraft parts such as flap inboard cover, forward nozzle, gun pack, ammunition pack, blade choke, deep choke, speed brake, and ventral fin/ ... 

MAJOR APPLICATIONS General-purpose molding and extrusion polymer for high-performance applications, especially as resin for carbon fiber composites. Examples include chemical resistant tubing and electrical insulation, automotive bearings, pump and valve construction for corrosive applications, and compressor valve plates. 

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