A STUDY OF THE INTERACTION OF ATOMIC OXYGEN WITH VARIOUS CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS

A variety of techniques have been used to examine the manner by which atomic oxygen species interact with various carbonaceous solids. In addition, the effect of such a treatment on the physical and surface chemical properties of the carbons has been determined. In situ electron microscopy studies have enabled us to establish that graphite is probably the most reactive form of carbon for this reaction. This behavior is rationalized according to the notion that atomic oxygen reacts preferentially with the delocalized π electrons in the graphite basal plane to create micro-pits. It is shown that careful control of the reaction of atomic oxygen with a carbonaceous surface can lead to certain beneficial effects when such structures are used in a reinforcement application. © 1990.