Abstract: Layered carbon-carbon composites having improved interlaminar tensile strength are disclosed together with a process for making such composites. A metal catalyst is first deposited on a panel comprising a plurality of layers of carbon fiber cloth. The panel is then exposed to a gaseous hydrocarbon in an inert atmosphere at elevated temperature in order to promote the growth of graphite whiskers between the carbon cloth layers.

Abstract: Layered carbon-carbon composites having improved interlaminar tensile strength are disclosed together with a process for making such composites. A metal catalyst is first deposited on a panel comprising a plurality of layers of carbon fiber cloth. The panel is then exposed to a gaseous hydrocarbon in an inert atmosphere at elevated temperature in order to promote the growth of graphite whiskers between the carbon cloth layers.

Abstract: Monocrystalline ceramic fibers are disclosed together with a process for preparing such fibers. Polycrystalline ceramic fibers in a tow are coated with a coating that is chemically substantially non-reactive with the ceramic (e.g. alumina fibers coated with molybdenum), and the coated fibers are drawn through a heating zone maintained at a temperature high enough to melt the fibers without melting the coating. The coated fibers are withdrawn from the heating zone and cooled rapidly enough to form a substantially monocrystalline ceramic. The protective coating may thereafter be removed to leave a tow of substantially single-crystal ceramic fibers. Monocrystalline ceramic fibers about 8-20 microns in diameter are prepared by the disclosed process.