Formation of graphitic rods in carbon/carbon composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes

The formation of graphitic rods with a carbon nanotube (CNT) in the center was observed in CNT-reinforced phenolic resin-based carbon/carbon composites heat treated at 2000 degrees C. TEM characterization indicated that the carbon surrounding the CNT has a much better degree of graphitization compared to the carbon in most of the matrix. The formation temperature (2000 degrees C) of the graphitic rod is lower than for stress graphitization and normal graphitization of phenolic resin. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.