Catalytic effect of dopants on microstructure and performance of MCMB-derived carbon laminations Original Research Article

Catalytic graphitization of carbon laminations was carried out using mesocarbon microbeads as the matrix precursor. Aqueous tape casting was used to prepare the carbon laminations, which were doped separately with Ti, ZrO2 and B4C powders. After sintering at 1400 °C in a vacuum, these dopants were found to enhance the degree of graphitization and improve the properties of the laminations. Ti was the most effective catalyst of the three dopants. The effects of binary dopants on the graphitization process and properties of the resulting laminations were also tested, but the catalytic effect of binary dopants was found to be less than that shown by single additives.