Thermally Stable Composite (TSC tm ) - Graphite Fiber Reinforced Glass For Dimensionally Stable Applications

Through the reinforcement of glass matrices with high modulus graphite fibers a family of highly stable composites has been developed. The fabrication and properties of these composites will be described. It will be shown that tensile strength and fracture toughness far above that of the parent glass matrix can be achieved. Composite thermal expansion behavior will be described in detail with CTE values of less than 1 X 10-''C^-1 achievable in specific instances. This combination of mechanical strength and to CTE recommends these materials for applications reauiring extreme environmental and dimensional stability which have traditionally utilized unreinforced glasses and graphite-epoxy composites.