Compressive experimental method and properties of C/C composites under ultra-high temperature environment

Carbon/Carbon (C/C) composites are expected to serve as structural materials over 2800 ℃. Experiments under ultra-high temperatures (UHT) are critical and demanding. In this paper, we established the UHT compressive experiment technique using simultaneous Joule heating and compressive loading fixtures. The specimen was designed and validated to achieve uniform temperature and strain at the gauge section. Compressive strengths and failure behaviors of three-directional (3D) needled, 3D woven, and four-directional (4D) woven C/C composites under UHT up to 3100 ℃ were investigated. The failure modes and mechanism of strength differences were illustrated through mesoscopic surface morphologies. Results showed that the dog-bone-shaped specimen avoided crushing at loading ends and exhibited failure at gauge sections. Temperatures with peak compressive strengths for 3D and 4D woven C/C composites were determined. Differences between the C/C composites were related to heat treatment temperatures. The sublimation phenomenon was observed for 4D woven C/C composites over 3000 ℃, degrading the compressive strengths by over 50%.