Mechanical, Thermal and Ablative Properties of Interply Continuous/Spun Hybrid Carbon Composites

Abstract

The mechanical and thermal properties of interply hybrid carbon fiber (continuous and spun fabric)/phenolic composite materials have been studied. Hybrid carbon/phenolic composites (hybrid CP) with continuous carbon fabric of high tensile, flexural strength and spun carbon fabric of better interlaminar shear strength and lower thermal conductivity are investigated in terms of mechanical properties as well as thermal properties. Through hybridization, tensile strength and modulus of spun type carbon fabric reinforced phenolic composites (spun CP) increased by approximately 28% and 20%, respectively. Hybrid CP also exhibits better interlaminar shear strength than continuous carbon fabric/ phenolic composites (continuous CP). The in-plane thermal conductivity of hybrid CP is 4–8% lower than that of continuous CP. As continuous filament type carbon fiber volume fraction increases, the transversal thermal conductivity of hybrid CP decreases. The erosion rate and insulation index were examined using torch test. Spun CP has a higher insulation index than continuous CP and hybrid CP over the entire temperature range. Hybrid CP with higher content of spun fabric exhibits higher insulation index as well as lower erosion rate.