Graphitic Foam with High Strength and High Thermal Conductivity Doped by Tungsten

Abstract

A graphitic foam with high strength and high thermal conductivity was prepared through the incorporation of tungsten particle into mesophase pitch precursor. Results show that tungsten acts as catalysts to accelerate the graphitization of carbon, promote more perfect and larger crystallites and enhance the conductive and mechanical properties. Test results reveal that tungsten doped graphitic foam (TDGF) has excellent compressive strength and high thermal conductivity, with highest values reaching 29.6 MPa and 117.8 Wm⁻¹ K⁻¹ for a tungsten concentration of 12 wt% in the precursor materials. More compact struts and cell walls stacked by more uniform pores were observed by scanning electron microscope in graphitic foam. Correlation between the content of dopant and the properties and microstructure of TDGF was discussed.