SBIR Phase I: Solution Processing of Carbon Matrix Precursors for Control of Char Microstructure and Oxidation Behavior in Carbon-Carbon Composites

这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第一阶段项目解决的问题是，当碳-碳复合材料的基质通过热解从碳质前体中获得时，赋予该材料固有的抗氧化性。该项目的总体目标是评估将沥青和预制陶瓷聚合物的混合物用作商业加工周期生产的碳-碳的基质前体的可行性。研究目标有两个：(1)确定共混物配方与加工后的微观结构之间的关系，以及(2)比较以这种方式制备的复合材料样品的氧化动力学和室温力学行为。基质前体将通过将沥青与含硅化合物溶液混合，然后经过传统的碳-碳加工循环进行配制。合成的炭有望呈现独特的两相微结构，具有有趣的微米和纳米级特征，并提供抗氧化能力，而不会对机械性能产生有害影响。这种方法的首次商业应用有望取代碳-碳飞机刹车的烘烤涂层。如果成功，这项技术可能会成为一项使碳-碳复合材料在广泛的高温结构应用中使用的技术。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project addresses the problem of imparting intrinsic oxidation resistance to a carbon-carbon composite when the matrix is derived from a carbonaceous precursor via pyrolysis. The overall goal of the project is to assess the feasibility of using blends of pitch and pre-ceramic polymers as matrix precursors for carbon-carbon produced with a commercial processing cycle. The research objectives are two-fold: (1) Determine the relationship between blend formulation and the resultant microstructure following processing, and (2) Compare the oxidation kinetics and room temperature mechanical behavior of composite samples produced in this manner. Matrix precursors will be formulated by solution-blending pitches with silicon-containing compounds and then subjecting the blends to a conventional carbon-carbon processing cycle. The resultant chars are expected to exhibit unique two-phase microstructures with intriguing micro- and nano-scale features, and to impart oxidation resistance without deleterious impact on mechanical properties. The first commercial application of this method is expected to be used in lieu of baked coatings in carbon-carbon aircraft brakes. If successful, the technique may become an enabling technology for the use of carbon-carbon composites in a broad range of high temperature structural applications.