Abstract
Indentation tests combined with the knowledge of corresponding microstructure of carbonaceous materials offer valuable information that cannot be extracted from the conventional indentation tests alone. Since mechanical properties of carbon are sensitive to the crystal orientation, inelastic mechanisms can be detected by studying the stress-strain behavior of carbon/carbon composites. The aim of this paper is to investigate the elasto-plastic behavior and related microstructure of pan-fiber reinforced carbon matrix composites heat-treated at 2100�C. The microstructure was characterized using polarized light microscopy and high-resolution electron microscopy. Elastic modulus of each constituent of the composites was measured. Nanoindentation tests were carried out to obtain loading-unloading cycles at different indentation depths using a berkovich-type diamond indenter tip. The residual displacement at complete unloading was correlated with the microstructure data to reveal the extent of the deformation mechanisms of crystallites and graphene sheets.
The pitch fiber and rough laminar pyrocarbon exhibited plastic behavior, which can be attributed to the low shear resistance due to weak bonding between the well-organized graphene sheets. On the other hand, the PAN fiber, charred resin and isotropic pyrocarbon, exhibited almost full elasticity within applied displacement limits.