US 5,945,084 A · Low density open cell organic foams, low density open cell carbon foams, and methods for preparing same

Abstract

This pertains to the general field of gels, foams, and aerogels, particularly, to low density open cell organic foams and low density open cell carbon foams, and methods for preparing them. These low density open cell organic foams are derived from organic gels which may be prepared from hydroxylated benzenes (such as phenol, catechol, resorcinol, hydroquinone, and phloroglucinol) and aldehydes (such as formaldehyde and furfural) using lower than conventional catalyst concentrations (e.g, an R/C value of greater than about 1000, yielding an initial room temperature pH typically lower than about 6.0). These organic foams are characterized by relatively large particle and pore sizes, high porosity, and high surface area. Low density open cell carbon foams derived from such organic foams are also shown, as are methods for preparing same. These carbon foams are also characterized by relatively large particle and pore sizes, high porosity, high surface area, and high electrical capacitance. Low density open cell carbon foam/carbon substrate composites and methods for preparing them are also shown.

Claims68

Dependent claims

A method for preparing an organic gel, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) forming a reaction mixture comprising one or more hydroxylated benzene compounds, one or more aldehydes, one or more catalysts, and water;
wherein the molar ratio of said hydroxylated benzene compounds to said catalysts in said reaction mixture, R/C, is greater than about 2000;
and,
(b) heating said reaction mixture to form said organic gel.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Low density open cell organic foams, low density open cell carbon foams, and methods for preparing same

Life of this patent

Low density open cell organic foams, low density open cell carbon foams, and methods for preparing same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims68