Ablation characteristics of an aromatic thermosetting copolyester/carbon fiber composite

High-temperature stable aromatic thermosetting copolyesters (ATSP) show great promise for use as a matrix in high-strength carbon fiber (C) composites. In this article, we characterize the ablation characteristics of ATSP/C composites using a high-power laser. ATSP/C shows very low recession rates of less than 0.14 mm/s at heat fluxes of approximately 4000 W/cm2. The backface temperatures for both 1 and 4 g/cm2 areal densities are well below 250°C. Scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses suggest formation of a stable char that holds the reinforcing carbon fibers. Density of the charred composite is the same along the thickness suggesting uniform charring. Thermogravimetric analysis measurements show that the char yield is around 40–43%.