carbon-carbon composite material

Carbon-carbon composites are advanced materials made from carbon fibers embedded in an amorphous carbon matrix. They are created by impregnating carbon fibers with a phenolic resin, then heating the material to char the resin into carbon. This process is repeated to minimize voids and create a strong, stable structure.1

These composites are notable for retaining their strength at extremely high temperatures, up to 2,500° C (4,500° F). This makes them suitable for demanding applications like the nose cones of reentry vehicles. However, they are susceptible to oxidation at these temperatures and require a protective ceramic coating. Carbon-carbon composites are a type of advanced composite material, which are increasingly used in the aerospace industry due to their stiffness, lightness, and heat resistance.123