Thickening of chemical vapor deposited carbon fiber

Effects of temperature and hydrocarbon concentration on the thickening of CVD carbon fiber were examined. Various concentrations of hydrocarbon, ranging from 17 to 83%, balanced by hydrogen, were used. The hydrocarbon concentration ranged from 17 to 83%. The growth temperatures were 800 degreesC, 900 degreesC, 1000 degreesC, 1100 degreesC, 1200 degreesC, 1300 degreesC, and 1300 degreesC. It was found that the thickening rate peaks at temperatures near 1100 and 1200 degreesC when 40% methane and 33% propane were used as the hydrocarbon sources, respectively. At these peak thickening rates, CVD fibers exhibit rough pitted surfaces, which are not commonly seen. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.