Preparation of near net-shape carbon foams from allyl COPNA-modified bismaleimide resin

•A simple method to prepare near net-shape carbon foams was developed.•Allyl COPNA-modified BMI resin possesses self-foaming characteristics.•The resin can easily keep its complex shape upon pyrolysis.•The carbon foam has relatively high mechanical strength and low thermal conductivity.

A simple method to prepare near net-shape carbon foams was developed. Results show that the carbon foams can be prepared by direct pyrolysis of casting parts from allyl condensed polynuclear aromatic (COPNA)-modified bismaleimide (BMI) resin. The resin possesses self-foaming characteristics and can easily keep its complex shape upon pyrolysis. The resulting carbon foams have well-developed pore structures and relatively high mechanical strength as well as low thermal conductivity.