Improved Oxidation Resistance of Graphite Block by Introducing Curing Process of Phenolic Resin

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to improve the oxidation resistance of graphite blocks after graphitization at 2800 degrees C by introducing a curing process of phenolic resin, used as a binder to control the pore size. Using the methylene index obtained from FTIR, the curing temperature was set to 150 degrees C, the temperature at which cross-linking most highly occurs. Graphite blocks that had undergone curing, and were carbonized with a slow heating rate, showed increased mechanical and electrical properties. Microstructural observation confirmed that the curing process inhibited the formation of large pores in the graphite block. Therefore, the cured graphite block showed better oxidation resistance in air than a non-cured graphite block. Oxidation of the graphite block was caused by pores created by pyrolysis of the phenolic resin binder, which acted as active sites.