The study on the formation of graphitic foam

Graphitic foam is obtained from coal tar based mesophase pitch in high pressure and temperature chamber. SEM and WAXD are used to study the influence of the properties of material and foaming process on the morphology and crystal structure of graphitic foam. The results show that the mesophase pitch with softened point of 300–350 °C and mesophase content of >80% can produce homogenous and perfect pore structure. The porosity and opening of resulted foam vary from 55% to 75% and 75% to 85% respectively. The porosity and opening decrease with the increase of pressure and increase slightly with the increase of soaking time. The graphitization degree of foam reaches to 84.9% and the ligament of graphitic foam exhibits high alignment.