New application of layered silicates for carbon fiber reinforced carbon composites

To investigate potential use of a layered silicate, illite, for carbon fiber-reinforced (C/C) composites, the C/C composites were prepared at different carbonization temperatures, specifically 1000 $^{\circ}C$ and 1650 $^{\circ}C$ using illite. The physical and chemical changes in the prepared C/C composites that were induced by the addition of illite and anti-oxidation and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated. A carbothermal reaction occurred due to the addition of illite when the composite was prepared at 1650 $^{\circ}C$, which resulted in the formation of SiC from the illite and carbon. The physical structures of the composites changed due to the increased interfacial adhesion between the reinforcing carbon fibers and the carbon matrix, which resulted increased bulk densities, and decreased porosities. The carbothermal reaction and physical structural changes that were induced by the addition of illite synergistically improved the anti-oxidation properties of the prepared composites, which were observed as a delay in oxidation. In addition, illite filler also improved flexural strength of the composite, due to the increased interfacial adhesion induced by illite addition. Therefore, the application of the layered silicate, illite, for C/C composites can be quite promising.