Thermal degradation of phenolics and their carbon fiber derived composites: A feasible protocol to assess the heat capacity as a function of temperature through the use of common DSC and TGA analysis

•A feasible approach able to assess the heat capacity as a function of temperature (up to 550 °C) of carbon/phenolic composites has been validated.•Common DSC and TGA equipments were used.•The protocol was studied using both bulk or powdered samples.•The protocol was validated on ad hoc made CPCs and compared to state-of-the-art aerospace-qualified materials such as the MX-4926.•The possibility to evaluate the heat of decomposition of high char yield was also discussed.