Structure and properties of carbon/carbon composite materials for aircraft brake discs

Mechanical, physical, thermal, frictional and wear properties of nine carbon/carbon composite materials as aircraft brake discs made by the Chaoma composite material company, Dunlop, Carbon Industry company, B.F.Goodrich, ALS and South-middle University were characterized and compared. Correlation of raw materials and processing parameters by which they were made with their performance was also investigated. Results indicated that an optimum structure of the carbon fiber preform, heat treat temperature, and controlled pyrolysis to form a carbon matrix with a rough laminar microstructure are the key factors to obtain carbon brake disc materials with excellent properties. Homemade carbon brake discs of high quality for large civil aircraft, such as the Boeing 757-200, could be regarded as a breakthrough in the carbon/carbon materials field in China.