Fabrication and performance of a C/C composite using a needled non-woven carbon fiber felt as a preform

A C/C composite was prepared by chemical vapor infiltration followed by repeated pitch impregnation and high pressure carbonization to a final density of 1.9 g/cm³ using a needled non-woven carbon fiber felt preform. Its mechanical properties were compared with a 3D woven C/C composite. Results indicated that the axial tensile strength of the needled C/C composite was 24.5 and 52.88 MPa at room temperature and 2 800℃, respectively, correspondingly 138 and 170% higher than that of the 3D woven C/C composite. The failure mode of the needled composite was pseudoplastic. The axial thermal expansion coefficient of the needled composite at 1 000℃ was only 1.409×10^-6/℃, 64% lower than that of the 3D woven composite. The needled C/C composite exhibits excellent mechanical strength and thermal physical properties which make it potentially useful for a solid rocket motor.