United States of America As Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force

Aircraft Braking Systems Corporation

Motorcarbon LLC

Joseph W Hager

David Joseph Burton

Max L Lake

Douglas D Moseley

John W Newman

Frank H Turrill

Frances L Abrams

Douglas Fate

Chi Tang

Richard B Hall

Nicholas Johannes

A process for fabricating a carbon composite structure that is lightweight, structurally sound, and characterized by high heat capacity. A carbon structure is devised with cavities therein receiving a phase change medium. The phase change medium demonstrates both high energy absorption capacity and high thermal conductivity and is formed from a carbon fiber to establish a high porosity medium having a large volume fraction. The surface energy of the carbon fibers is enhanced in various ways as by deposition of a carbide former, a metallurgical coating or a precursor liquid or by electroplating or etching the surfaces of the carbon fibers. The enhanced surface energy allows for the retention of phase change material.

Method of containing a phase change material in a porous carbon material and articles produced thereby

Producing of near net shape carbon (optionally carbon--carbon composite) pistons and other artifacts by sintering (with or without carbon fibers, preferably pitch-based carbon fibers and most preferably blends of vapor grown carbon fibers(VGCF)) homogeneous powders derived from petroleum pitch. The powders preferably exhibit properties equal to or exceeding those of POCO AXF-5Q. Preferred specific technical steps are substantially as follows:

Carbon artifacts and compositions and processes for their manufacture

A new apparatus and method for making a carbon or graphite reinforced composite is described. A rigid carbon foam preform is placed within a sealed flexible bag. A vacuum is created within the bag. Matrix resin is introduced into the bag, through an inlet valve, and is amply impregnated into the preform. The resulting resin-filled preform is exposed to a heat source to cure the preform. The resulting carbon or graphite reinforced composite structure is then removed from the bag.

Carbon or graphite foam reinforced composites

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Dayton, OH, United States of America

Joseph W Hager