Study of the mechanism of graphitization of phenolic resin carbon catalyzed by boron oxide

Phenolic resin was prepared with a boron oxide additive to catalyze the graphitization process. Boron oxide powder proved to be effective in inducing a sizable degree of graphitization (70%) at 1650 °C. This process took place at temperatures far below those at which such phenomena normally occur. The graphitized specimens were characterized and tested by an X-ray powder diffractometer and scanning electron spectroscopy. A preliminary conclusion about the mechanism of the catalysis was that a metal carbide (B4C) formed at lower temperatures may act as a nucleating agent on which the primary crystalline phase of graphite (turbostratic) precipitates.