Mesophase pitches for 3D-carbon fibre preform densification: rheology and processability

摘要

Synthetic mesophase pitches, produced from naphthalene (ARA24, ARA24r), were examined in terms of fluidity and thermal stability in comparison with other mesophase, isotropic pitches, or mesophase pitch/softening molecules blends. Their interest for carbon/carbon (C/C) composites processing by liquid impregnation or vacuum transfer inside three-dimensional carbon preform is discussed. Viscosity versus reduced temperature plots is reported on the same graph to compare the studied pitches and to define a suitable C/C processing window. Methylnaphthalene-based pitch is a good candidate with viscosity and stability adapted to the processing temperature and high carbon yield.