Method for densifying and refurbishing brakes

A rapid chemical vapor deposition method for refurbishing worn carbon aircraft brake component(s), for aircraft, comprising the steps:

• a) placing at least one worn carbon brake component(s), having pores defined by interior regions, including at least one geometric center region, and an exterior surface, in a liquid carbon-precursor contained within a reactor for densifying a porous structure, the reactor being adapted to contain the liquid carbon-precursor and to contain a means for heating the worn carbon brake component(s), the means comprising at least one set of electrodes with connectors adapted to make electrical contact to the worn carbon brake component(s) and at least one power source;
• and
• b) supplying sufficient power to the worn carbon brake component(s) to resistively heat the interior regions of the worn carbon brake component(s) to a temperature above the decomposition temperature of the liquid carbon-precursor, thereby effecting formation of a vapor from the liquid carbon-precursor and infiltration into the interior regions of the vapor and deposition of pyrolytic carbon within the interior regions;
• whereby after refurbishing, the worn carbon brake component(s) are characterized by a microstructure and frictional wear properties at least equal to those of carbon brake component(s) of equivalent size, density and composition which are presently in use in aircraft.