The reinforcement and toughening of pyrocarbon-based carbon/carbon composite by controlling carbon nanotube growth position in carbon felt

The flexural properties of pyrocarbon-based carbon/carbon (C/C) composites reinforced by in situ grown carbon nanotubes are reported. The effect of nanotube growth position (on carbon fibers or in the spaces between them) was investigated. A method of reinforcing and toughening C/C composites is proposed and the corresponding mechanisms are discussed.