The Influence of Aluminum Phosphates on Graphite Oxidation

Composites based on graphite benefit a number of applications where low density, high-temperature strength and thermal shock resistant materials are needed. Carbon composites are currently used in applications such as thermal barriers for reentry vehicles and aircraft brakes[1,2]. However, despite the unique hightemperature properties of these composites, their susceptibility to gasification in oxidizing environments limits their usefulness at elevated temperatures. Thus, most composites require some form of protection against oxidation in order to permit their use in demanding applications.