Abstract: Process for protecting fiber-reinforced, carbon-containing composites whose matrix comprises, at least in the outer layer, silicon carbide (SiC) and also silicon (Si) and/or silicon alloys against oxidation, which comprises the steps a) impregnation of the composite with an aqueous, phosphate-containing solution, b) drying, c) heat treatment at a temperature which is at least sufficient to convert the dried solution into insoluble compounds which are suitable for forming a self-healing glass, wherein the composite is treated oxidatively to form silicon oxide (SiO2) either prior to step a), between steps a) and b) or during or after step b) and/or c).

Abstract: A latent heat storage material is in the form of a composite material formed of a phase-change material to store latent heat and graphite flakes incorporated therein to improve thermal conductivity. The graphite flakes are distinguished by a high aspect ratio and a high anisotropy of thermal conductivity. The volume content of graphite flakes in the latent heat storage material is between 10 and 40%. The composite material can be obtained by mixing the components or infiltrating a bed containing graphite flakes with a liquid phase-change material. The graphite flakes are preferably aligned during mixing with the phase-change material by shaking or tamping, etc., so that the thermal conductivity in the direction that is advantageous for the individual application is maximized. A latent heat storage unit containing the material and processes for producing the material and the unit and processes for using the material, are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a fiber-reinforced material which is composed, at least in a region of a surface layer, of a ceramic composite and has carbon-containing fibers reaction-bonded to a matrix containing the elements Si and C. In particular a method of producing fiber-reinforced silicon carbide is provided in which a structure of a matrix contains cracks and/or pores, at least at ambient temperature, because of a high thermal expansion coefficient compared with that of the fibers. Metals are selectively electrodeposited in the open pores and cracks of the matrix and, in particular, in a region of the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. As a result, the open pores and cracks are filled and, in addition, metallic top layers are optionally formed that are firmly keyed to the ceramic composite and that may serve as an interlayer for glass top layers or ceramic top layers.

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced ceramic composites contain bundles, tows or hanks of long fibers, wherein the long fiber bundles, tows or hanks are completely surrounded by a short fiber-reinforced matrix, with the long and short fibers having, independently of one another, a mean diameter of from 4 to 12 &mgr;m and the long fibers having a mean length of at least 50 mm and the short fibers having a mean length of not more than 40 mm, a process for producing them and their use for producing clutch disks or brake disks.

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic composite is described which contains at least one supporting zone having oxidation-sensitive reinforcing fibers as well as a matrix. The matrix optionally contains oxidation-sensitive components. The composite further contains at least one surface layer, as well as at least one additional protective layer disposed between the supporting zone and surface layer, and whose matrix is composed substantially of at least one component of the matrix of the supporting zone or cover layer. The protective layer further contains additives that form self-healing layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of oxidation of carbon-containing fibers or fiber bundles embedded in a nonconductive or semiconducting ceramic matrix in composites wherein use is made of the eddy current method.

Abstract: Composite which contains reinforcing fibers comprising carbon and whose matrix comprises silicon carbide, silicon and copper, with the mass fraction of copper in the composite being up to 55%, processes for producing it, in particular by liquid infiltration of C/C intermediate bodies with melts comprising Si and/or Cu and Si, and also its use as friction lining in a friction pairing with ceramic brake discs or clutch discs comprising C/SiC

Abstract: Process for protecting fiber-reinforced, carbon-containing composites whose matrix comprises, at least in the outer layer, silicon carbide (SiC) and also silicon (Si) and/or silicon alloys against oxidation, which comprises the steps a) impregnation of the composite with an aqueous, phosphate-containing solution, b) drying, c) heat treatment at a temperature which is at least sufficient to convert the dried solution into insoluble compounds which are suitable for forming a self-healing glass, wherein the composite is treated oxidatively to form silicon oxide (SiO2) either prior to step a), between steps a) and b) or during or after step b) and/or c).

Abstract: Fiber-reinforced ceramic composites comprising bundles, tows or hanks of long fibers, wherein the long fiber bundles, tows or hanks are completely surrounded by a short fiber-reinforced matrix, with the long and short fibers having, independently of one another, a mean diameter of from 4 to 12 &mgr;m and the long fibers having a mean length of at least 50 mm and the short fibers having a mean length of not more than 40 mm, a process for producing them and their use for producing clutch disks or brake disks

Abstract: A multilayer ceramic composite is described which contains at least one supporting zone having oxidation-sensitive reinforcing fibers as well as a matrix. The matrix optionally contains oxidation-sensitive components. The composite further contains at least one surface layer, as well as at least one additional protective layer disposed between the supporting zone and surface layer, and whose matrix is composed substantially of at least one component of the matrix of the supporting zone or cover layer. The protective layer further contains additives that form self-healing layers.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a fiber-reinforced material which is composed, at least in a region of a surface layer, of a ceramic composite and has carbon-containing fibers reaction-bonded to a matrix containing the elements Si and C. In particular a method of producing fiber-reinforced silicon carbide is provided in which a structure of a matrix contains cracks and/or pores, at least at ambient temperature, because of a high thermal expansion coefficient compared with that of the fibers. Metals are selectively electrodeposited in the open pores and cracks of the matrix and, in particular, in a region of the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. As a result, the open pores and cracks are filled and, in addition, metallic top layers are optionally formed that are firmly keyed to the ceramic composite and that may serve as an interlayer for glass top layers or ceramic top layers.

Abstract: A friction disc, in particular a brake or clutch disc, includes carbon fiber-reinforced ceramic composite material with at least one top surface formed as a friction surface. At least part of the friction surface is formed of a different material, in particular of a carbon-containing material. The different material exhibits lower wear and oxidation resistance than that of the rest of the friction surface and a supporting zone of the friction disc. A visual, audible or mechanical signal is produced under operating conditions due to comparatively greater wear. The signal provides a warning that the service life of the friction disc is being exceeded. A process for producing the friction disc is also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle cup holder has a housing forming an upwardly open cup-shaped seat centered on an upright seat axis and having a side wall and a floor and a plurality of gripping arms spaced around the seat on the side wall and pivotal about respective upright axes between radially inner positions projecting into the seat and radially outer positions generally disengaged from the seat. A drive under the floor is connected to the arms for displacing them synchronously between the inner and outer positions.