Graphite fiber reinforced silica matrix composite
AssigneeHughes Aircraft Company
InventorsHyman Leggett, deceased, Kenneth M. Brown
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A graphite fiber reinforced silica matrix composite comprising a plurality of graphite fibers bonded together in a silica matrix comprised of silica, boron phosphate and beta-spodumene modified with a minor amount of an alkaline earth metal oxide is disclosed. The extremely low, nearly zero, coefficient of thermal expansion coupled with the moderate thermal conductivity and low density of the composite make the composite particularly suitable as a substrate material for high energy laser mirrors.
Claims8
A graphite fiber reinforced silica matrix composite article characterized by a relatively low thermal distortion comprising:
- (a) unidirectionally oriented yarn bundles of graphite fibers bonded together in (b) a silica matrix comprising predominantly silica, mixed with boron phosphate and .beta.-spodumene modified by the addition of about 5 to about 6 percent by weight of an alkaline earth oxide based on the weight of the modified said .beta.-spodumene.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.