A novel method for the processing of carbon foam containing in situ grown nano-materials and silicon nanowires.

A novel method for the processing of carbon foam has been developed by using a powder mixture containing polyurethane foam and novolac resin hereafter called PN. Various additives like Si, Al, FeCl 3 , activated carbon (AC), short-carbon fibers (SCF) were mixed individually or in combination, carbonized under coal and analyzed for density, microstructure and compressive strength. The pore morphology changed significantly by using different kinds of additives. SCFs were effectively mixed and bonded within the pore walls. Si converted in situ into silicon carbide and a jungle of kinked and twisted nanowires all around the pores. CNTs with amorphous carbon beads were observed throughout the pore surfaces when 10 wt% FeCl 3 was added. Al increased the compressive strength when used upto 6 wt%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]