Structural Properties of a Novel Modified Carbon Foam Derived from Pine Sawdust

Abstract

Biomass carbon foams are extensively utilized across various fields due to their favorable properties and cost-effectiveness. In this study, triethylene glycol (TEG), nylon 66 (PA66), and 3-glycidyl-oxypropyl-trimethoxy-silane (KH560) were incorporated into pine wood liquefaction resin to successfully prepare three novel modified carbon foams (MCFs), and their characteristics were investigated. The results indicate that the compressive strength and specific surface area of the three MCFs were significantly enhanced. Specifically, the compressive strength increased by 37%, 46%, and 89% following modification with TEG, PA66, and KH560, respectively, while the specific surface areas ranged from 383.4 to 499.3 m2/g. Additionally, the cell structures of the three MCFs exhibited greater uniformity, with larger average pore sizes, thinner ligament thicknesses, and increased opening porosities. Notably, the opening porosity of KH560-modified carbon foam (KH560-PLP-PF-CF) reached its maximum value at 87.95%. XPS analysis confirmed the successful introduction of Si-containing molecular bonds, including Si-OH-Si, Si-OH, and Si-CH, into KH560-PLP-PF-CF. Furthermore, FT-IR analysis revealed characteristic Si-O vibration peaks, PA66 amide peaks, and TEG ether bond absorption peaks in the three MCFs. The incorporation of flexible functional groups effectively enhanced their compressive properties. The findings of this study expand the potential for utilizing biomass waste to partially replace phenol in the development of novel carbon foams.