Comparative study on tensile fracture behavior of monofilament and bundle C/C composites

Strength controlling factors in C/C composites were experimentally examined using monofilament fiber reinforced C/C composites and those reinforced by one carbon fiber bundle. Tensile strength of the monofilament C/C composites was almost the same level with that of the carbon fiber. This result indicated that carbon fibers in the C/C composites were intact even after the processing. On the other hand, remarkable reduction was observed in the bundle C/C composites. It was indicated that the fracture of the C/C composite is dominated by the brittle fracture of the sub-bundles, in which the fiber/matrix interface is bonded well.