Kazuhito Hoshi

Surface graphitization of furan-resin-derived carbon

Furan-resin-derived carbon generally produces a glass-like carbon having entangled graphene layers (graphite structure) after high temperature heat-treatments. However, Raman spectroscopy reveals that it produces well-graphitized thin skins on surfaces. The graphitization is promoted on the faces that are formed at lower heat-treatment temperatures. Fractured faces of specimens pre-heat-treated at 1000°C result in well-developed structures in graphitization after re-heat-treatment at 3000°C. It is considered that the surfaces, i.e. free faces, play an important role in the graphitization.

Curing properties of furfuryl alcohol condensate with carbonaceous fine particles under ultrasonication

Ultrasonic treatment (sonication) was carried out through the curing process of furan resin by using an ultrasonic homogenizer at the frequency of 20 kHz and the various intensities (0-90 W). Various carbonaceous fine particles were added to furan resin to investigate the change of polymerization degree. The curing rate of furan resin was accelerated by sonication, which increased the polymerization degree with an increase in ultrasound intensity. The increase of curing rate was also observed by small additions of carbonaceous fine particles. In this case, the curing rate was increased with an increase in the specific surface area on additives.