Effect of foaming technology conditions on pore structure of carbon foams

On the basis of mesophase pitch decomposition behavior, carbon foam was prepared from AR mesophase pitch in a stainless steel mold by heating to appropriate temperature under adequate pressure, followed by foaming and carbonization. The effect of soaking temperature, pressure and cure temperature on the pore structure was investigated. The results show that, with increasing of soaking temperature, the pore diameter and open porosity increase. With the elevation of initial pressure, the pore diameter and open porosity decrease. The shape of pore structure is from ellipse to circle and open porosity increase while the cure temperature rising.