Novel high strength graphitic foams Original Research Article

A novel high strength graphitic foam was produced through the incorporation of carbon nanofibers into a pitch based precursor. The nanofiber reinforced cellular foams were mechanically tested both from a localized and bulk perspective with results indicating enhanced foam performance with nanofiber addition. The magnitude of increased performance was a result of both the nanofiber itself as well as its heat treatment as an increase in each was found to cause an associated increase in foam performance. The increase in mechanical capability is attributed to the formation of a zigzag structure in the ligaments and nodes of the foam. This zigzag structure serves as an interlocking mechanism, preventing easy shearing of the graphene layers. The in situ fracture mechanics experiment shows brittle behavior of a single ligament indicating that only reinforced foam behaves like that of a carbon fiber.