Unique Carbon Fibers for High-Temperature Applications

Carbon-carbon composites have been used for many decades in applications, such as rocket nozzles, brakes, and thermal protection systems (TPS). The material consists of carbon fiber in a matrix of carbon/graphite. Carbon-carbon provides structural performance while withstanding extremely high temperatures. The material has a low coefficient of thermal expansion and performs well under thermal shock. Interest in carbon-carbon has grown recently with the focus on hypersonic weapon systems that undergo high thermal shock. The challenge with hypersonics is to develop a thermal protection systems that does not ablate or erode so the control surfaces of a hypersonic weapon remain intact to allow for manuevering of the weapon in flight. Most carbon-carbon composites produced to date do ablate at elevated temperatures and there continues to be many applications for this material. Rocket nozzles and throats are a primary example and with the increases in launches of rockets, ablative carbon-carbon will still be key component in launch systems.