Carbon or graphite foam reinforced composites

摘要

A new apparatus and method for making a carbon or graphite reinforced composite is described. A rigid carbon foam preform is placed within a sealed flexible bag. A vacuum is created within the bag. Matrix resin is introduced into the bag, through an inlet valve, and is amply impregnated into the preform. The resulting resin-filled preform is exposed to a heat source to cure the preform. The resulting carbon or graphite reinforced composite structure is then removed from the bag.