Preparation and structure analysis of carbon/carbon composite made from phenolic resin impregnation into exfoliated graphite

Exfoliated graphite-based carbon/carbon composites were prepared using sequence processes of phenolic resin–alcohol solution impregnation, carbonization and carbon dioxide (or steam) activation. The textural/structural characteristics of the composites were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption and mercury porosimetry. The results indicated that the composites were composed of graphite and amorphous carbon. On the surface, the worm-like particles were covered by pyrolytic carbon, which also penetrated into parts of the interior pores of the particles. Macropores still remained in the composite, whereas micropores which were formed by the activation of pyrolytic carbon contributed to most of the pore volume.