Method for reproducibly preparing a low-melting high-carbon yield precursor
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
InventorsWesley E. Smith, Bradley Napier, Jr.
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Abstract
The present invention is directed to a method for preparing a reproducible synthetic carbon precursor by the autoclave polymerization of indene (C.sub.9 H.sub.8) at a temperature in the range of 470.degree.-485.degree. C, and at a pressure in the range of about 1000 to about 4300 psi. Volatiles in the resulting liquid indene polymer are removed by vacuum outgassing to form a solid carbon precursor characterized by having a relatively low melting temperature, high-carbon yield, and high reproducibility which provide for the fabrication of carbon and graphite composites having strict requirements for reproducible properties.
Claims3
A method for preparing a thermoplastic carbon precursor comprising the steps of confining indene in an autoclave containing an inert atmosphere, heating the indene to a tempertaure in the range of 470.degree.-485.degree. C. at a pressure in the range of about 1000 to 4300 psi for a duration sufficient to convert the indene to a liquid polymer, reducing the temperature and pressure to ambient conditions, and thereafter vacuum outgassing volatiles from the liquid polymer to provide a solid polymer having a melting temperature in the range of about 40.degree.-105.degree. C., a viscosity in the range of about 880-26,800 centipoises, and a carbon yield in the range of about 52-66 weight percent.
A thermoplastic carbonizable material comprising polymerized indene derived from heating indene in an inert atmosphere at a temperature in the range of 470.degree.-485.degree. C. and at a pressure in the range of about 1000 to 4300 psi and outgassing the resulting liquid polymer for converting the indene to a solid thermoplastic polymer, said polymer being further characterized by possessing a melting temperature in the range of 40.degree. to 105.degree. C. and a carbon yield in the range of about 52 to 66 weight percent.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.