CARBON FIBER REINFORCED CARBON COMPOSITE VALVE FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

摘要

A carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite valve for internal combustion engines and the like formed of continuous carbon fibers (16) throughout the valve's stem (11) and head (13). The valve includes braided carbon fiber material (16) over axially aligned unidirectional carbon fibers (15) forming a valve stem (11). The braided and unidirectional carbon fibers are broomed out at one end (18) of the valve stem forming the shape of the valve head. The valve-shaped structure is densified and rigidized with a matrix of carbon containing discontinuous carbon fibers and the finished valve is treated to resist oxidation. Also disclosed is a carbon matrix plug containing continuous and discontinuous carbon fibers and forming a net-shape valve head acting as a mandrel over which the unidirectional and braided carbon fibers are formed according to textile processes. Also disclosed are various preform valves and processes for making finished and preform carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite valves.