Humidity effects on carbon-carbon composites (fiber pre-form + CVI)

The purpose of this study is to examine the humidity effect on the coefficient of friction and wear. In this study different identical samples were tested at different humidity conditions of 50, 1 and in 1% argon environment. The humidity was controlled by passing a suitable combination of atmospheric air and water into a closed chamber. The coefficient of friction was obtained directly from the dynamometer reading. The amount of wear was measured. In this study visual examination and surface topography characterization, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-rays and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used. The change in wear and friction coefficient with energy input were studied and wear transitional energies were detected.