Abstract
Multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and diamond nanoparticles (DNPs) reinforced carbon foam composites were prepared by the direct pyrolysis of MWCNTs, DNPs and mesophase coal tar pitch mixture. The effect of additive amounts on the microstructure and properties of carbon foams were studied. Significant impacts on the microstructure of carbon foams were observed after the incorporation of additive amounts. Whereas, the additive behavior of MWCNTs and DNPs were further investigated in terms of adsorption, mechanical and thermal properties. The results shows that the nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd) metal ions adsorption tendency increases with the increase of MWCNTs and DNPs contents. The maximum adsorption percentage of 84.6 and 86.9% was observed for carbon foam containing 2wt% MWCNT-DNPs loading for Ni and Cd ions respectively. Furthermore, the compressive strength and thermal conductivity of the carbon foams were enhanced with the increase of additives amounts. Maximum improvement of 19.22MPa in the compressive strength and 37.46W/mK at 800°C of thermal conductivity was revealed by carbon foam composite containing 4wt% MWCNT-DNPs additive amounts.
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•Preparation, characterization and properties of carbon foams containing MWCNTs and DNPs as additives•Effects of MWCNTs and DNPs on microstructure and properties of carbon foams•At 2wt% MWCNTs and DNPs loading enhancements in adsorption properties of carbon foams•4wt% MWCNTs and DNPs loading showed improved mechanical and thermal properties of carbon foams.