Fibers and Composites

This book is devoted to advanced composite materials based on carbon fibers issued from different precursors and various matrices. Written by internationally recognized specialists, Fibers and Composites is divided into three main parts. The first presents an alternative way to process and prepare carbon fibers issued from either natural or artificial precursors. It introduces recent achievements in carbon fiber technologies, including the main physical characteristics as high modulus or high strength type of the new fibers. The second part presents both classical and novel ways to prepare carbon matrices. It analyzes chemical vapor deposition (CVD) as well as chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) inside a porous preform. In addition, the book describes the liquid impregnation of a preform by a pitch or some other precursor. The final section explains other carbon-based composites, such as those with polymers or cement as matrices, and includes their role of interfacial characteristics as wetting or adhesions for their final application. Fibers and Composites will be of interest to engineers, graduate students and researchers in the field of solid-state physics, chemistry and materials science.