CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND GRAPHITIZATION - X-RAY DIFFRACTION STUDIES OF GRAPHITES DERIVED FROM POLYNUCLEAR AROMATICS

The average semi-lattice spacings as determined by X-ray diffraction measurements of the (001) bands were determined for graphites derived from numerous polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons and quinones. These values were used as a criterion of the degree of graphitization of the carbonized compound after heating to 3000°C. The results showed that the nature of the final graphite is highly dependent on the chemical structure of the starting material. However, the relationship is not always obvious as two major factors appear to be involved: 1. (1) the planarity and steric overcrowding in the original molecule, and 2. (2) the chemical reaction sequence and nature of the thermally formed intermediates involved in the polymerization stage of carbonization. © 1969.