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: The ablative response at predetermined locations in a carbon-carbon reinforced composite material are selectively modified by one or more implants of a compatible, non-carbon material disposed at selected sites in the material. The implants of non-carbon material, which should have a melting point below the sublimation temperature of the surrounding carbon matrix and thermal expansibility having a force below the strength of the surrounding carbon matrix, preferably are arranged essentially parallel to one another at selected axial sites in the direction of expected thermal flux.

Abstract: The ablative response at predetermined locations in a carbon-carbon reinforced composite material are selectively modified by one or more implants of a compatible, non-carbon material disposed at selected sites in the material. The implants of non-carbon material, which should have a melting point below the sublimation temperature of the surrounding carbon matrix and thermal expansibility having a force below the strength of the surrounding carbon matrix, preferably are arranged essentially parallel to one another at selected axial sites in the direction of expected thermal flux.

Abstract: A composite laminate material is described comprising a plurality of layers of graphite sheet material coated on at least one side thereof with a ceramic material having a density greater than about 50% of its theoretical density, preferably, up to about 95% or greater theoretical density. The ceramic material constitutes at least 90% of the thickness of the composite laminate. The composite laminate is formed by applying to one or both sides of graphite sheet material a ceramic layer compacted to at least 50% theoretical density. A plurality of layers of the ceramic coated graphite sheets are then stacked and pressure molded by conventional techniques with the various layers being adhered together using a suitable adhesive. The resulting laminate is light weight and thin but has sufficient strength to be used as armor material to protect against projectiles. The laminate material is easily shaped and cut and because of its light weight is especially useful for making body armor.

Abstract: A carbonizable body is formed by infusing a plurality of preoxidized (preferably stabilized by known processing to have about 9 to 14 weight percent oxygen) polyacrylonitrile fibers in a polar liquid plasticizer, preferably water, capable of extracting a tarry leachate from the fibers. The infusion of the fibers in the plasticizer is continued for a sufficient time for a substantial amount of leachate to form on the surface of the fibers, and are then consolidated or diffusion-bonded to one another or other fibers, as by orienting the treated fibers in a mold and subjecting them to isostatic pressing at relatively low temperatures and pressure. Further processing of the consolidated fibers with appropriate heat treatment in an inert atmosphere will produce a carbonized bulk product with higher values of Young's modulus for the carbonized material than have been previously achieved at such carbonization temperatures.