Synthesization of CNT on Surface of C/C Composites to Stabilize the Coefficient of Friction through a Wide Environmental Temperature Range

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized on the surface of carbon-carbon (C/C) composites by the thermal chemical vapor deposition method. The coefficient of mutual friction between two flat specimens of both modified and unmodified C/C composites were measured at a constant rotational speed under constant applied pressure by using disc-type test apparatus. The effect of CNT synthesization on the mutual friction coefficient and its dependence on test temperature were discussed. Frictional coefficient was high and also stable when the CNTs were synthesized on the surface while the test temperature was changed. The morphology evaluation of the frictional surface after the test suggested that synthesization of CNTs on a frictional surface of a C/C composite was effective in changing the wear mode for stability of the coefficient of friction according to the change of environmental temperature.