Growth of Carbon Nanofibers in Phenolic Resin for Carbon-Contained Refractory Using Different Catalysts

Abstract

Various phenolic resins modified with carbon nanofibers were prepared using Fe(NO3)3, Co(NO3)2, and Ni(NO3)3 as catalyst, respectively. The influences of different catalysts on the phase, microstructure evolution, and oxidation resistance of the modified phenolic resin were investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The results showed that, compared with a single catalyst, the mixed catalysts (Co(NO3)2 : Fe(NO3)3 = 1 : 1) promoted the growth of the carbon nanofibers, which have the higher crystallinity, homogeneous dispersion, and nonagglomeration. These carbon nanofibers can effectively reduce carbon losses, increase char yield, and fill the holes in the thermal cracking process of phenolic resins.