A low density, porous (70 to 90%) carbon bonded carbon fiber composite material primarily developed for use in filtration systems is ideally suited for use in containment of liquid cryogen used for cooling detectors, sensors, and thermal shields. The use of this composite material for storage of liquid cryogen should result in entended cryogen life and improved handling and storage characteristics. The objectives of this study are to improve on the current fabrication processes and develop a carbon composite exhibiting high porosity (greater then 80%) high surface area, high compressive strength and low dusting characteristics. In this proposed study, starting materials and processing parameters will be varied in a systematic manner to produce samples which can subsequently be evaluated with regards to porosity, pore size distribution, surface area, compressive strength and dusting characteristics. Process variables to be investigated include: fiber precursor, fiber length, fiber to resin ratio fiber conentration, and carbonization profile (time, temperature, atmosphere).STATUS: Phase I Only
