PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CARBON FOAM DERIVED FROM FINE COAL AND PHENOLIC RESIN
ABSTRACT: Carbon foam from
fine coal and phenolic resin mixture had been prepared by heating in nitrogen
atmosphere. The composition of fine coal in a mixture was 30, 35, 40, 45 and
50%. Physical and mechanical characters of carbon foam that were determined
from each of these compositions were density, porosity, compressive strength,
and oxidation resistance and thermal insulation. Microstructure was observed by
scanning electron microscope (SEM). Thermal insulation was tested using an
insulation index approach with Styrofoam for comparison. The result showed that
the density and compressive strength were proportional to the composition,
otherwise, the porosity. Oxidation resistance that was up to 45% composition
still showed proportional value. Microstructure observations showed an
irregular distribution of pore and uninform diameter. Insulation index of 34 to
50 °C showed almost the same values of all compositions and greater than
styrofoam up to 50-150% which mean carbon foam had a better thermal insulation
properties than styrofoam.
Author: Dodi Irwandi, Zainal
Alim Mas’ud, Komar Sutriah, Muhammad Khotib
Journal Code: jpkimiagg160101
