Preparation and characterization of graphite foams

Graphite foams can be prepared by various methods, such as a blowing, the use of polymer based templates, and the compression of graphite and/or graphite sheets. Adding fillers to graphite foams can lead to improved thermal conductivity and compressive strength. The mechanical properties of graphite foam with carbon material added are negatively affected by the low dispersibility, alignment and interfacial adhesion of the fillers in the foam. This study reviews studies that have investigated various fabrication methods, the addition of carbon materials, and surface treatments of graphite foams to improve their thermal and mechanical properties.

Graphical abstractConvenient and inexpensive method using hydrogel as a template was investigated for fabricating carbon and graphite foams with high compressive strengths. Various amounts of pitch powder were added to a PVA–PAAc polymer solution to investigate the pore sizes and apparent densities of the prepared carbon and graphite foams.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide