Abstract
The article presents a study on the influence of surface treatment of carbon fibers on the mechanical properties of carbon/carbon composites. Carbon fiber was treated with nitric acid and lower tensile strength with broader distribution was observed. Acid treatment causes change in the surface morphology thereby broadening the distribution of fiber strength and tensile strength depends on the flaws on the surface and structure. The formation of cracks during carbonization process cause the carbon/carbon composites made with treated fibers show lower flexural strength. After the graphitization, the composites showed higher flexural strength.