Wear-resistant composite structure of vitreous carbon containing convoluted fibers
OwnerRalph A. Burton, Ralph G. Burtoninventors
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Abstract
A wear-resistant composite structure which is especially suitable for use in the formation of sealing components, brake linings, electrical motor brushes, bearings, and like products, is disclosed. This composite structure includes as its primary component vitreous carbon in a continuous phase, and strengthening fibers interspersed throughout the vitreous carbon in a discontinuous phase. These fibers are individually convoluted in configuration, so as to improve the crack-resistance and other physical properties of the vitreous carbon. A suitable method of forming such wear-resistant composite structure is also disclosed.
Claims17
A reinforced composite material, having a three-dimensional (x,y,z) character, wherein each of the dimensions is at least 100 millimeters, and consisting essentially of:
- (a) from about 70% to about 95% by volume, based on the total volume of (a) and (b), of a homogeneous, grain boundary-free continuous phase vitreous carbon material;
- and
- (b) from about 5% to about 30% by volume, based on the total volume of (a) and (b), of convoluted reinforcement fibers having a radius of curvature diameter ratio in the range of from about 5:1 to about 20:1.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.