| abstract |
The present invention provides a carbon foam, particularly useful for composite machinery or other high temperature applications, including carbon foam having a compressive strength to density ratio of at least about 7000 psi / g / cc. Polymeric foam blocks, particularly phenolic foam blocks, are carbonized in an inert or air-free atmosphere at a temperature of about 500 ° C., more preferably at least about 800 ° C. to about 3200 ° C., and a density of about 0.05 to about 0.4, compressive strength is at least about 2000 psi, porosity is about 65% to about 95%, and at least about 90% of the pore volume of the pores is about 10 to about 150 microns. Having an adjustable cell structure having a diameter and an average aspect ratio of about 1.0 to about 1.5 provides sufficient density and compressive strength for high temperature applications. [Selection figure] None |