The Effect of the Heating Rate during Carbonization on the Porosity, Strength, and Electrical Resistivity of Graphite Blocks Using Phenolic Resin as a Binder

In the present study, graphite blocks were fabricated using synthetic graphite scrap and phenolic resin, and the effect of the heating rate during carbonization on their mechanical and electrical characteristics was examined. While varying the heating rate from 1, 3, 5, and 7 to 9 °C/min, the microstructure, density, porosity, flexural strength, compressive strength, and electrical resistivity of the fabricated graphite blocks were measured. As the heating rate increased, the pores in the graphite blocks increased in size, and the shape of the gas release paths became more irregular. Overall, it was found that increases in the heating rate led to the degradation of the graphite blocks’ mechanical and electrical properties.