CARBON FOAMS BASED ON COAL TAR PITCH

Abstract

Due to their unique properties, carbon foams are widely used in various fields, from medicine to space. Research on the using of coal tar pitch as a cheap precursor for the carbon foams production can provide an economical route to the production of light carbon materials. Coal tar pitch, a by-product of coal processing by high-temperature pyrolysis, is a promising precursor for carbon materials due to its high carbon content and low price The main problem of coal tar pitch using as a polymer matrix for carbon foams creating is that the rheological properties of the pitch usually do not meet the requirements of foaming. This paper gives a review of the properties of carbon foams based on coal tar pitch, coal tar pitch modification methods to obtain carbon foams. It also looks at obtaining and fields of use of non-carbonized, carbonized and graphite carbon foams based on modified coal tar pitch. The choice of the method for producing carbon foams depends on the area of their application; however, preference should be given to environmentally friendly methods that ensure resource conservation and low energy costs.