Residual hydrocarbon and hydrogen contents of carbons and graphites

A correlation between heat treatment and residual H content has been found for three series of carbons progressively heat treated within the typical range 1000 to 3000 C for carbonization and graphitization. Data for Ultra Carbon samples are quite regular. They show a large decrease at 800 to 1400 C, with little change in crystalline parameters. Much additional graphitization occurs between 2200 and 2900 C, with little further change in H content. Hydrocarbon outgassing data from three Ultra Carbon samples show and increase with increased residual H concentration. Furthermore the heat treatment temperature controls not only the crystalline parameters but also the residual H content. Extensive decomposition and hydrocarbon evolution must occur during the carbonization phase to permit the ordering of layer planes and the growth of crystallites. 15 ref.--EPAA/AF.