Improvement of the thermo-mechanical properties of isotropic graphite, produced from carbonaceous mesophase, by the addition of different carbides

Abstract

This work demonstrates the possibilities for optimization of doped fine grain graphites with high thermal conductivity and high thermal shock resistance for application as plasma-facing materials at those areas of the vessel wall in fusion devices receiving the highest particle and power loads. A mixture of carbonaceous mesophase powder and different fine grain carbides (B 4 C, TiC, VC, ZrC and WC) was used as starting material. These carbides act as catalysts, decreasing the graphitization temperature. VC acts as catalyst of the graphitization at the lowest temperature, and ZrC is the most effective catalyst of all investigated carbides. With increasing graphitization temperature, the open porosity of all doped materials becomes closed, suggesting the existence of a diffusion mechanism responsible for both the catalytic effect and the closing of the open porosity. Carbides addition does not strongly influence the mechanical properties of pure graphite.