High Strength and High Thermal Conductivity Carbon Foam Reinforced with Graphite Nanoparticles

A novel carbon foam with high strength and high thermal conductivity was prepared through the incorporation of graphite nanoparticles into coal tar based mesophase pitch precursor. Carbon foam was obtained after carbonization and graphitication of pitch foam formed by the pyrolysis of coal tar based mesophase pitch mixed with graphite nanoparticles in a high pressure and temperature chamber. The foam had possessed high strength and exceptional high thermal conductivity. SEM observation showed that less micro cracking appeared on the cell wall of foam by the addition of graphite nanoparticles. The test of thermal conductivity and mechanical properties shows that the thermal conductivity of modified carbon foam could reach 195 W/m.K. The mechanical properties were improved markedly, and compressive strength was increased from 2 MPa to 18.8 MPa when the additive amount of graphite nanoparticles was 8%.