| Abstract Scope |
This novel research investigated bituminous coal’s ability to be continuously manufactured into a lightweight carbon foam for applications in construction materials, energy storage, sound suppression, and insulation. Batch processing is the present method for manufacturing carbon foam which has several technical and economic challenges. Combining the use of a low-cost precursor and exploiting a continuous manufacturing process, this research presents the opportunity for the expansion and utilization of carbon foam in high-volume applications. The novel material was then thermally treated and characterized through Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Elemental Analysis (CHNO), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Optical Microscopy, Compressive Strength, Flexural Modulus, and Acoustic Emissions to define material-process-structure-property relationships. These relationships will be discussed in direct comparison to commercially manufactured (batch process) carbon foams. |