Modern approaches to abrasive machining of carbon-carbon materials and tools for its implementation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20535/2521-1943.2025.9.2(105).329951Keywords:
carbon-carbon composite, additive manufacturing, abrasive processing, diamond abrasive drillingAbstract
The article discusses carbon-carbon composites, which are promising materials for the aerospace, defense, and automotive industries due to their unique combination of high strength, heat resistance, and low density. However, their machining is challenging due to their complex microstructure and abrasiveness, which leads to defects, tool wear, and chip removal problems. In this regard, the purpose of this work is to analyze the main challenges in machining C-C composites and to consider possible approaches to minimize these problems.
The aim of the study is to improve the characteristics of abrasive cutting tools in the task of cutting composites using additive manufacturing methods.
The article presents an overview of the use of C-C composites in various industries, including thermal protection systems, brake discs, gas turbine components, etc. The main problems associated with their processing, such as material delamination, cutting tool wear, and chip removal, are discussed. The influence of various factors, including mechanical loads, thermal effects and tool design, on the occurrence of these problems is analyzed.
The results of the study show that effective machining of C-C composites requires the use of specialized cutting tools, methods of control and monitoring of the tool condition, as well as the use of alternative machining methods. Approaches to minimize the problems associated with machining, including optimization of the cutting tool using additive technologies, are proposed.
The obtained results of the literature review can be used in modeling the cutting process and for optimizing the parameters of the cutting experiment. The results also show the relevance of the selected problem and the possibility of further application.
References
- J.-D. Nam and J. C. Seferis, “Volatile Evolution in Thermoset Composites from Processing to Degradation”, Science and Engineering of Composite Materials, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 211-225, 1993. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/SECM.1993.2.3.211.
- L. M. Manocha, “High performance carbon-carbon composites”, Sādhanā, vol. 28, no. 1-2, pp. 349-358, 2003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02717143.
|
- F. Torres-Herrador, A. Eschenbacher, J. Coheur, J. Blondeau, T. E. Magin and K. M. Van Geem, “Decomposition of carbon/phenolic composites for aerospace heatshields: Detailed speciation of phenolic resin pyrolysis products”, Aerospace Science and Technology, vol. 119, p. 107079, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ast.2021.107079.
|
- F. Torres-Herrador, J. Coheur, F. Panerai, T. E. Magin, M. Arnst, N. N. Mansour and J. Blondeau, “Competitive kinetic model for the pyrolysis of the Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator”, Aerospace Science and Technology, vol. 100, p. 105784, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ast.2020.105784.
|
- T.-H. Ko, “The effect of pyrolysis on the mechanical properties and microstructure of carbon fiber-reinforced and stabilized fiber-reinforced phenolic resins for carbon/carbon composites”, Polymer Composites, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 247-256, 1993. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.750140310.
|
- F. Muhammed, T. Lavaggi, L. Moretti, S. Advani and J. W. Gillespie, “Pyrolysis schedule optimization of benzoxazine-derived carbon/carbon composites through reaction rate optimization”, Ceramics International, vol. 49, no. 12, pp. 19996-20006, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2023.03.121.
|
- V. N. Gaitonde, S. R. Karnik, J. C. Rubio, A. E. Correia, A. M. Abrao and J. P. Davim, “Analysis of parametric influence on delamination in high-speed drilling of carbon fiber reinforced plastic composites”, Journal of Materials Processing Technology, vol. 203, no. 1-3, pp. 431-438, 2008. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2007.10.050.
|
- D. F. Liu, Y. J. Tang and W. L. Cong, “A review of mechanical drilling for composite laminates”, Composite Structures, vol. 94, no. 4, pp. 1265-1279, 2012. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2011.11.024.
|
- C. C. Tsao and H. Hocheng, “Effect of tool wear on delamination in drilling composite materials”, International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, vol. 49, no. 8, pp. 983-988, 2007. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmecsci.2007.01.001.
|
- N. Feito, Á. Muñoz-Sánchez, A. Diaz-Alvarez and M. H. Miguelez, “Multi-objective optimization analysis of cutting parameters when drilling composite materials with special geometry drills”, Composite Structures, vol. 225, p. 111187, 2019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2019.111187.
|
- N. Feito, J. Lopez-Puente, C. Santiuste and M. H. Miguelez, “Numerical prediction of delamination in CFRP drilling”, Composite Structures, vol. 108, pp. 667-683, 2014. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2013.10.014.
|
- N. Sugita, L. Shu, K. Kimura, G. Arai and K. Arai, “Dedicated drill design for reduction in burr and delamination during the drilling of composite materials”, CIRP Annals, vol. 68, no. 1, pp. 89-92, 2019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cirp.2019.04.094.
|
- X. Wang, P. Y. Kwon, C. Sturtevant, D. (D.-W.) Kim and J. Lantrip, “Comparative tool wear study based on drilling experiments on CFRp/Ti stack and its individual layers”, Wear, vol. 317, no. 1-2, pp. 265-276, 2014. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wear.2014.05.007.
|
- R. Kang, H. Ma, Z. Wang, Z. Dong and Y. Bao, “Effect of tool wear on machining quality in milling Cf/SiC composites with PCD tool”, Journal of Manufacturing Processes, vol. 105, pp. 370-385, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmapro.2023.08.055.
|
- T. Xia, Y. Kaynak, C. Arvin and I. S. Jawahir, “Cryogenic cooling-induced process performance and surface integrity in drilling CFRP composite material”, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, vol. 82, no. 1-4, pp. 605-616, 2016. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-015-7284-y.
|
- C. Kuo, J. Liu, T. Chang and S. Ko, “The effects of cutting conditions and tool geometry on mechanics, tool wear and machined surface integrity when routing CFRP composites”, Journal of Manufacturing Processes, vol. 64, pp. 113-129, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmapro.2021.01.011.
|
- J. P. Davim and P. Reis, “Drilling carbon fiber reinforced plastics manufactured by autoclave - experimental and statistical study”, Materials & Design, vol. 24, no. 5, pp. 315-324, 2003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-3069(03)00062-1.
|
- K. Palanikumar, “Experimental investigation and optimisation in drilling of GFRP composites”, Measurement, vol. 44, no. 10, pp. 2138-2148, 2011. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2011.07.023.
|
- A. T. Marques, L. M. Durão, A. G. Magalhães, J. F. Silva and J. M. R. S. Tavares, “Delamination analysis of carbon fibre reinforced laminates: Evaluation of a special step drill”, Composite Science and Technology, vol. 69, no. 14, pp. 2376-2382, 2009. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compscitech.2009.01.025.
|
- Q. An, W. Ming, X. Cai and M. Chen, “Study on the cutting mechanics characteristics of high-strength UD-CFRP laminates based on orthogonal cutting method”, Composite Structures, vol. 131, pp. 374-383, 2015. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2015.05.035.
- Y. Su, Z. Jia, B. Niu and G. Bi, “Size effect of depth of cut on chip formation mechanism in machining of CFRP”, Composite Structures, vol. 164, pp. 316-327, 2017. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2016.11.044.
- A. Koplev, A. Lystrup and T. Vorm, “The cutting process, chips, and cutting forces in machining CFRP”, Composites, vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 371-376, 1983. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/0010-4361(83)90157-X.
- C. C. Tsao, “Experimental study of drilling composite materials with step-core drill”, Materials & Design, vol. 29, no. 9, pp. 1740-1744, 2008. DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2008.03.022.
- Z. Li, P. Ge, W. Bi, T. Liu, P. Wang and Y. Gao, “Coupling stress caused by thermal and slicing force in KDP crystal slicing with fixed abrasive wire saw”, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, vol. 96, no. 9-12, pp. 4333-4343, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-018-1893-1.
- A. Tang, W. Guo, Z. Yuan, G. Yang and S. Hu, “Simulation analysis on cutting forces based on surface topography of fixed abrasive wire saw”, Materials Science in Semiconductor Processing, vol. 132, p. 105900, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mssp.2021.105900.
- Carbon Fiber Brake Disc & Brake Rotor Kit for Airbus A320 Plane/A321/A330/A350 and Boeing 737/747. Made-in-China. Available: https://qdclipper.en.made-in-china.com/product/TZqatfGAqwYi/China-Carbon-Fiber-Brake-Disc-Brake-Rotor-Kit-for-Airbus-A320-Plane-A321-A330-A350-Boeing-737-747.html.
- G. R. Devi and K. R. Rao, "Carbon-Carbon Composites - An Overview", Defence Science Journal, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 369-383, 1993. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.43.4291.
- C. Tian, X. Li, Z. Chen, G. Guo, L. Wang and Y. Rong, “Study on formability, mechanical property and finite element modeling of 3D-printed composite for metal-bonded diamond grinding wheel application”, Journal of Manufacturing Processes, vol. 54, pp. 38-47, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmapro.2020.02.028.
- J. Gan, H. Gao, S. Wen, Y. Zhou, S. Tan and L. Duan, “Simulation, forming process and mechanical property of Cu-Sn-Ti/diamond composites fabricated by selective laser melting”, International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hard Materials, vol. 87, p. 105144, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmhm.2019.105144.
- Z. Yang, M. Zhang, Z. Zhang, A. Liu, R. Y. Yang and S. Liu, “A study on diamond grinding wheels with regular grain distribution using additive manufacturing (AM) technology”, Materials & Design, vol. 104, pp. 292-297, 2016. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2016.04.104.
- X. Zhao, T. Yu, C. Jia, S. Lu, L. Chen and W. Wang, “Study on textured CBN grinding wheel by laser cladding”, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, vol. 106, no. 3-4, pp. 865-876, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-019-04240-w.
- B. Denkena, A. Krödel, J. Harmes, F. Kempf, T. Griemsmann, C. Hoff et al., “Additive manufacturing of metal-bonded grinding tools”, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, vol. 107, no. 5-6, pp. 2387-2395, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-020-05199-9.
- B. Chen, P. Chen, Y. Huang, X. Xu, Y. Liu and S. Wang, “Blade Segment with a 3D Lattice of Diamond Grits Fabricated via an Additive Manufacturing Process”, Chinese Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. 33, no. 1, p. 73, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s10033-020-00496-6.
- C. Tian, X. Li, S. Zhang, G. Guo, L. Wang and Y. Rong, “Study on design and performance of metal-bonded diamond grinding wheels fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM)”, Materials & Design, vol. 156, pp. 52-61, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2018.06.029.
- C. Tian, X. Li, S. Zhang, G. Guo, S. Ziegler, J. H. Schleifenbaum et al., “Porous structure design and fabrication of metal-bonded diamond grinding wheel based on selective laser melting (SLM)”, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, vol. 100, no. 5-8, pp. 1451-1462, 2019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-018-2734-y.
|
- C. Tian, X. Li, H. Li, G. Guo, L. Wang and Y. Rong, “The effect of porosity on the mechanical property of metal-bonded diamond grinding wheel fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM)”, Materials Science and Engineering: A, vol. 743, pp. 697-706, 2019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msea.2018.11.138.
|
- Y. Qiu and H. Huang, “Research on the fabrication and grinding performance of 3-dimensional controllable abrasive arrangement wheels”, The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, vol. 104, no. 5-8, pp. 1839-1853, 2019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-019-03900-1.
|
- T. Tanaka and Y. Isono, “New development of a grinding wheel with resin cured by ultraviolet light”, Journal of Materials Processing Technology, vol. 113, no. 1-3, pp. 385-391, 2001. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0924-0136(01)00636-7.
|
- Q. Huang, L. Guo and I. D. Marinescu, “Chapter 8 - Grind/Lap of Ceramics with UV-Bonded Diamond Wheels”, in Handbook of Ceramics Grinding and Polishing, 2nd ed. Boston: William Andrew, 2015, pp. 360-393. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-4557-7858-4.00010-8.
- I. Marinescu, L. Guo and P. Wei, “Basic Research for the UV Fixed Abrasive Lapping Plate”, Applied Mechanics and Materials, vol. 371, pp. 95-100, 2013. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.371.95.
|
- L. Guo, X. Zhang, S. Chen and J. Hui, “An Experimental Study on the Precision Abrasive Machining Process of Hard and Brittle Materials with Ultraviolet-Resin Bond Diamond Abrasive Tools”, Materials, vol. 12, no. 1, p. 125, 2019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12010125.
|
|
- L. Guo, X. Zhang, C.-H. Lee, I. D. Marinescu, Y. Zhang and J. Hui, “An Experimental Study on the Abrasive Machining Process of Electronic Substrate Material With A Novel Ultraviolet-Curable Resin Bond Diamond Lapping Plate”, IEEE Access, vol. 7, pp. 64375-64385, 2019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2019.2917304.
|
|
- Q. Huang, L. Guo and I. D. Marinescu, “Research on the Properties of Resin Bond Wheel Cured by Ultraviolet Light”, Procedia Manufacturing, vol. 5, pp. 259-269, 2016. DOI: https://doi.org/ 10.1016/j.promfg.2016.08.023.
|
- C. Bonnet, G. Poulachon, J. Rech, Y. Girard and J. P. Costes, “CFRP drilling: Fundamental study of local feed force and consequences on hole exit damage”, International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture, vol. 94, pp. 57-64, 2015. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmachtools.2015.04.006.
|
- A. Kirichenko, M. Al Ibrahim, V. Schetinin and O. Chencheva, “Improving the quality of abrasive cutting carbon-carbon composites through rational conditions of dynamic contact”, Transactions of Kremenchuk Mykhailo Ostrohradskyi National University, no. 5 (112), pp. 94-102, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30929/1995-0519.2018.5.94-102.
- A. Salenko, O. Chencheva, V. Glukhova, V. Shchetynin, M. R. F. Budar, S. Klimenko and E. Lashko, “Effect of slime and dust emission on micro-cutting when processing carbon-carbon composites”, Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies, vol. 3, no. 1 (105), pp. 38-51, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/ 10.15587/1729-4061.2020.203279.
|
- O. Salenko, O. Chencheva, V. Shchetynin, V. Gluchova, E. Lashko and M. R. F. Budar, “Cutting carbon-carbon composites by the diamond drills variable cyclic feed”, Mechanics and Advanced Technologies, no. 3(87), pp. 47-60, 2019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20535/2521-1943.2019.87.188721.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Mykhailo Molnar, Oleksandr Salenko

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under CC BY 4.0 that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work








