An RTM densification method of manufacturing carbon-carbon composites using Primaset PT-30 resin

This paper presents a development of carbon-carbon (C-C) composite by resin transfer molding (RTM) process. The RTM was used for both manufacturing of the resin matrix composite part as well as impregnation of the carbonized parts. Materials chosen were heat-treated T300 2-D carbon fabric and Primaset PT-30 cyanate ester. The PT-30 resin has a char yield similar to that of phenolics, very low volatiles, low viscosity at processing temperatures, and no by-products during cure, and hence, an excellent choice for RTM process. The process consists of RTM of the composite part, carbonization, RTM impregnation, and re-carbonization. The last two steps were repeated to achieve the desired density. The measured density and mechanical properties of just two times-densified C-C composite panels were superior to or nearly the same as the data in the literature by other processes. The RTM densification is about twice as fast as the resin solution method and it is environment friendly.