Patent ID: 7686904

Claim:
A method for bonding carbon-carbon composite materials comprising: placing at least two carbon-carbon composite parts to be bonded in close proximity with each other; placing a combustion synthesis material consisting of a finely ground metal and a finely ground material capable of oxidizing the metal in between the parts to be bonded, and in contact with each part to be bonded; placing two or more carbon fibers or carbon fiber bundles connected to a voltage source in contact with the combustion synthesis material, wherein the carbon fibers have a diameter between 3 and 100 microns and wherein the two or more carbon fibers or carbon fiber bundles are spaced evenly and parallel to one another 10 mm apart or less; and igniting the combustion synthesis material by applying thereto, through said carbon fibers or carbon fiber bundles, energy of about 200 watts at less than 100 volts, wherein a combustion synthesis reaction occurs upon ignition.