Formation and properties of materials based on thermally expanded graphite

It is established that the properties of articles made from thermally expanded graphite (TEG) depend mainly on methods and conditions of their formation. Material formation occurs in several stages. The capacity of TEG to show a considerable elastic aftereffect after removing the external load plays a special part in forming anisotropic properties causing mechanical properties to change with a change in density. The materials obtained may be both elastic and elastoplastic. It is shown that continuous indenation may be used for nondestructive monitoring of local and bulk properties. The feasibility of a damagability criterion for EG materials is demonstrated.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]