Improvements in performance and microstructure of doped graphites as plasma-facing materials by a new process

Multi-elemental (B, Si and Ti) doped graphite was prepared from fillers of petroleum coke, dopants and binder of coal tar pitch by a new liquid mixing method. Such composite has not only high thermal conductivity (233 W/m K) but also excellent mechanical strength compared with the material prepared by the conventional solid mixing method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that such material has a fine-grained structure as well as little pore diameter. The effects of the manufacturing procedure of doped graphites on the performance and microstructure are investigated. In addition, correlations between properties and microstructure are also discussed in detail.