Fabrication of multilayer graded density peeled-carbon-aerogel target

As a potential target for shock wave experiments, the multilayer graded density carbon aerogel target was prepared. Firstly, carbon aerogel sheets with varying thickness and density were fabricated by polycondensation of resorcinol with formaldehyde by a self-made flexible micro-mould. Secondly, with ultra-low density (10 mg cm−3) SiO2 aerogel as a bonding agent, a 5-layer graded density carbon aerogel target was obtained. The thickness of each unit sheet ranged from 100 to 580 μm, and the density ranged from 50 to 400 mg cm−3. We focused on fabrication of unit sheets, peeling off their dense layers (about 150 nm) and research of C/SiO2 aerogel interface microstructure. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray phase contrast imager and surface profiler were used to observe the multilayer structure and characterize the surface and internal microstructure of unit sheets. The results showed that the target fabricated by such method possessed multilayer graded density structure with homogeneous C/SiO2 interface and excellent formability.

Research highlights▶ 5-Layer graded density (50–400 mg cm−3) carbon aerogel target was fabrication. ▶ Ultra-low density (10 mg cm−3) SiO2 aerogel as a bonding agent. ▶ Thickness of each unit sheet ranged from 100 to 580 μm. ▶ Several surface micro-treatments were used to peel off the 150 nm dense layer. ▶ As a potential target for shock wave experiments.