Researchers at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków are working on a competitive technology for producing CFRC (Carbon Fiber Reincorced Carbon) materials, which could benefit Polish companies in the space and defence industries. From the composites, the scientists want to construct a rocket nozzle.

The nozzle is one of the key components of any rocket engine. Its characteristic profile (the so-called de Laval cone) is responsible for imparting supersonic exit velocity to the gases resulting from fuel combustion. Their flow should remain undisturbed to keep flight parameters stable.

CFRC materials not only have a high resistance to high-temperature corrosion, but are also lighter in weight than the refractory metals used for space rocket nozzles. Replacing them with lighter materials would therefore also reduce the amount of energy required to fly them and thus reduce the amount of fuel they consume.