C-C composites consist in carbon fibers embedded in a carbon matrix. 1D, 2D, 3D textures can be manufactured, giving more and more isotropic materials respectively, using rayon, PAN or pitch based carbon fibers.
The carbon matrix is provided by Chemical Vapour Infiltration process, liquid process (resin or pitch) or by a combination of them. A heat treatment can be performed to improve the C-C thermal characteristics. Tuning of the C-C properties can be done by selection of the components (fibers, interface and matrix) and the processes for manufacturing.
During the last years, C-C materials were developed by SEP for Nuclear Fusion programs.
The needling process used for these materials allows the manufacturing of large parts (more than one square meter for some centimetres thickness parts), and a large variety of shapes.
They have a high level of thermal conductivity (about 300W/mK at RT and 150 W/mK at 800°C), while keeping good mechanical properties, even at high temperature.
These thermostructural C-C, can be used in other fields of applications as radiators for thermal control of satellites or for power systems.