carbonceramic

Carbon ceramic, or carbon-ceramic, designates a class of composite materials that combine carbon-based constituents with ceramic phases to achieve high-temperature stability, stiffness, and wear resistance with relatively low density. The most common form is carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC), in which carbon fibers carry mechanical load and a silicon carbide ceramic matrix provides hardness and thermal protection. Another related group comprises carbon–carbon (C/C) composites, where a carbon matrix is reinforced by carbon fibers and often protected by a ceramic or carbon coating to improve oxidation resistance.

Manufacture typically involves shaping carbon fibers into a preform and introducing a ceramic matrix via chemical vapor deposition, polymer-derived ceramic routes, or infiltration-and-reaction processes. In brake technology, carbon-ceramic discs (C/SiC) are valued for maintaining friction performance at high temperatures and reducing weight, and are used in some high-performance cars and racing applications. In aerospace and industrial contexts, carbon-ceramic composites are explored for turbine components, heat shields, and tooling that require high-temperature capability and low density.

Advantages include a high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent high-temperature stability, and outstanding wear resistance. Disadvantages include high cost, complex manufacturing, and brittleness; carbon components may oxidize if unprotected at elevated temperatures, limiting use in certain environments.

Overall, carbon ceramics represent a leading-edge class of materials in specialized engineering applications, where performance requirements justify the cost and manufacturing complexity.