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Graphite foams were prepared using foaming method and template method with nature flake graphite powder as main raw materials, sucrose as a foaming agent or binder, as well sodium chloride as a template. The compositions, microstructure, thermal properties and mechanical performance of the fabricated graphite foams were investigated by X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, scanning electron microscope, laser thermal conductivity meter, and electronic universal testing machine, respectively. The results show that water in binder played an important role in forming process of graphite foams. Graphite foams with controllable pore structure can be obtained by template method. The porosity of graphite foams increased with increasing the concentration of templating agent. With a fixed concentration of the templating agent the thermal diffusivity of the foams deceased with increasing the concentration of binder. Moreover, the obtained graphite foams has a minimum density of 288 kg/m3, a maximum porosity of 78% and a maximum thermal diffusivity of 7.14 × 10−6 m2/s. Two binding models of graphite foams prepared using template method has been proposed in the first time. This work provided an optimized processing for graphite foams with simple preparation, low-cost recyclable raw materials, and a promising thermal management material for many applications. Image 1 • New type of graphite foams were developed using natural flake graphite as main raw material. • Two binding models of graphite foams prepared using template method has been proposed. • Water can promote the pore-forming during the forming process of graphite foams. • The routes have superiority of simple, low-cost with recyclable raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aluminosilicate-reinforced carbon foams have been prepared by chemical foaming with phenolic resin as matrix precursor and aluminosilicate as the additive. The effects of the amount of aluminosilicate used on the microstructure, mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of the carbon foams have been investigated by scanning electronic microscopy, mechanical testing, and oxidation weight loss, respectively. The results show that the amount of aluminosilicate added has a significant influence on the surface roughness and the structure uniformity of carbon foams. The compressive strengths are usually higher than that of the pure carbon foam sample by as much as 60%. The percentage of weight loss of the carbon foams drops with increasing aluminosilicate content up to 11wt%, but then increases. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]