Organomorphic Carbon Preform Formation Mechanism

Looking for ways to increase the structural uniformity of ceramic matrix composites (CMC) resulted in the development of organomorphic composites (C/C, C/SiC, SiC/SiC) where the filament diameter is comparable to the space between the filaments. The structural uniformity of the aforesaid CMCs is determined by their reinforcing preform; however, the mechanism of formation of this structure from polymer fibers remains unclear. This paper discusses an investigation of pressed specimens of the OKSIPAN® nonwoven fabric based on Pyron® polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers that were underoxidized as was determined using the electron paramagnetic resonance and microtomography methods. Using electron scanning microscopy, thermomechanical analysis and X-ray tomography, cementation of the preform due to the release and condensation of readily-polymerizing resin-like substances on the fiber surface after pressing at 180 °C was shown to be mainly responsible for retaining the mutual positions occupied by the fibers during pressing. The carbonized residue of the resin-like substances binds the fibers after pyrolysis. The other reason for organomorphic carbon preform consolidation is autohesive interaction of insufficiently cross-linked cores of the PAN fibers, since their thermal oxidation during pyrolysis at up to 1000 °C is hindered by the relatively high density of the compressed polymer preforms. The combination of pressing, thermal stabilization and pyrolysis results in the formation of the organomorphic carbon preform that features a relative density of at least 0.3 and a collection of pores, their normalized diameter ranging between 4 and 40 μm.