Controlling PAN-based carbon fibre texture via surface energetics

Various matrix local textures may develop during processing of carbon/carbon (C/C) composites, specifically at the fibre/matrix interface. Taking pitch as a carbon matrix precursor, c-axis radial, c-axis axial, or c- axis tangential type of matrix orientations were predicted depending upon the surface energy of carbon fibres used, while an isotropic matrix orientation was predicted when phenolic resin is used as carbon matrix precursor. We report here some unusual observations with regard to changes in the carbon fibre texture due to the use of specific C/C composite processing conditions (co-carbonisation).