Graphitizable foam preform
AssigneeAlliedSignal Inc.
InventorsFrank Dillon, Charles A. Parker, Richard R. McCormick, Jonathon K. Chatwood, Mark Rigali
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Abstract
The present invention provides an inexpensive, open cell, mechanically robust and graphitizable foam preform. The graphitizable foam is produced via a modified standard flower foam formulation. The invention provides a modified formula for such flower foams wherein a mesophase material is incorporated along with a corresponding reduction in the resole component. The mesophase material replaces 30-70% by weight (a target of 50% by weight) of the resole component of the formulation. The formulation is heated to effect foaming of the mixture, and then carbonized to produce an open cell, graphitizable foam preform.
Claims10
A graphitizable foam preform, comprising a preform structure having open cells provided by struts and nodes of the preform, the foam made from a mixture of resole phenolic, ground mesophase pitch, surfactant, catalyst, and blowing agent that was heated to above 50.degree. C. to effect foaming and subsequently heated to the temperature range of 600-2000.degree. C. to provide a foam preform of substantially homogenous microstructure and uniform morphology and which is graphitizable.
A graphitizable foam preform, comprising a preform structure having open cells provided by struts and nodes of the preform, the foam made from a mixture of resole phenolic;
- one of a ground pitch and synthetic pitch;
- surfactant;
- catalyst;
- and blowing agent that was heated to above 50.degree. C. to effect foaming and subsequently heated to the temperature range of 600-2000.degree. C. to provide a foam preform of substantially homogenous microstructure and uniform morphology and which is graphitizable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.