CRYSTALLIZATION AND REACTION ON GRAPHITE-LIKE FIBER SURFACES

The epitaxial crystallization and topotactic solid state reaction of two monomers on Thornel 40 carbon-fibers have been investigated. The epitaxial crystallization suggests interesting features about the carbon fiber surface which are in agreement with recent studies on graphitic materials. The topotactic reaction on the carbon fibers yields cyclic materials rather than the polymers which are obtained in the absence of a substrate. The interaction between the substrate, reactant, and product is found to be strong and specific. The carbon fiber surface controls the crystallization and solid state reaction and determines the type of product obtained as well as its conformation. © 1969.