Studies on changes in morphology during carbonization and activation of pretreated viscose rayon fabrics Original Research Article

Structural development during the carbonization and activation of pretreated viscose rayon fabrics in a carbon dioxide atmosphere at temperatures upto 900°C were followed using wide angle X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Porosity developments were also studied simultaneously. It is shown by X-ray results that the formation of turbostratic structure takes place at high temperature treatments (HTTS) of 900°C, which also coincides with the development of measurable porosity. Higher concentrations of inorganic chemicals in viscose rayon precursors are shown to affect the carbonization yield and porosity as well as the structure development. SEM results show that overactivation results in disintegration of the fabric structure.