Effect of Heat Treatment on The Rheological Properties of Mesophase Pitch and Final Properties of Carbon Foams

摘要

Graphite foam properties are highly dependent on the viscoelastic properties of the mesophase precursor material. It was shown previously that graphite foams manufactured from higher melting point mesophases exhibited significantly different properties than those foams produced with a lower melting point mesophase. Therefore, measuring and characterizing the viscoelastic properties of mesophase pitches is a critical step in understanding and modeling the development of structure during processing of graphite foams. This knowledge will allow us to better control foam structure and properties, and to tailor them to specific applications. In this project, a commercially available mesophase pitch was heat treated at several temperatures and for different duration times with the intention of modifying their melting point and viscoelastic properties, and hence, to alter the final properties of the graphite foam. Here we will report on the effect of heat treatment and duration of treatment on the viscosity of the mesophase pitches and the final properties of the graphite foams produced with the heat-treated mesophases.