Effects of processing conditions on properties of graphite foams

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has developed a process for the production of mesophase pitch-based graphite foam. This foam has density values between 0.2 and 0.6 g/cc and can develop bulk thermal conductivity between 40 and 180 W/m·K. Foam properties can be modified by varying the precursor material, the processing conditions, and/or heat treatment conditions. In the current research, we studied the effect of precursor choice and processing conditions on the final properties of the graphite foam. The results will be presented and discussed