Structure and Properties of Mesophase Pitch-Derived Carbon Foams Reinforced by Mesocarbon Microbeads

摘要

Development of micro-cracks after high temperature graphitization heat treatment is one of the main factors responsible for the low compressive strength of carbon foams and limits their applications. In order to raise the compressive strength, mesophase pitch-derived carbon foams reinforced by short carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, carbon blacks, graphite particles, mesocarbon microbeads (MCMBs), or clay have been investigated. The results from literature indicated that different reinforcing effect and mechanism can be observed depending on the morphology, size and structure of the reinforcement. Furthermore, the effects of morphology, size and structure of the reinforcement on the structure and properties of carbon foams will also be influenced by the pitch precursors as well as the foaming conditions. Therefore, more studies are needed to elucidate the reinforcing effect. In the present investigation, the structure, mechanical and thermal properties of the mesophase pitch-derived carbon foams reinforced by MCMB were investigated.