Thermal expansion of copper matrix composite with spiral arrangment of carbon fibres

• Published in: Journal of materials science letters Vol. 16; no. 5; pp. 392 - 394
• Main Authors: Stefanik, P, Kavecky, S, Sebo, P, Korb, G, Groboth, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.03.1997
• ISSN: 0261-8028

The aim of this letter is to describe the properties of spirally orientated Cu-C composites in the shape of a disc and a tube and to measure the thermal expansion of such specimens, as well as to consider the influence on the thermal expansion in the Cu-C disc, if a central hole is drilled into the disc (i.e., to explore the difference in behaviour of bulk and hollow components). The copper-carbon fibre composites were prepared with spiral arrangement of fibres by diffusion bonding of copper coated carbon fibres. The main factor influencing the homogeneity of this sort of composite is the uniformity of the fibre winding. Copper coated carbon fibres can be wound around a mandrel with a small diameter. For thin specimens the deviation in winding accuracy will affect the properties in various directions. Thermal cycling was not found to give rise to irreversible changes. The CTE in spirally arranged carbon fibre-copper matrix composite is equal in all radial directions in the plane and higher than that for a unidirectional composite in the fibre direction for the same volume content of carbon fibres.