Nomex [poly (m-phenylene isophthalamide)] was used as a feedstock for the p
reparation of activated carbon fibres (ACFs). For this purpose, pyrolysis u
nder inert atmosphere (Ar) was followed by activation with CO,. Two differe
nt series of ACFs were prepared by changing the pyrolysis (1123 or 1173 K)
and activation temperatures (50 K below pyrolysis). The resulting ACFs were
characterised by N-2 (77 K) and CO2 (273 K) adsorption. The surface area a
nd pore volume increase progressively upon activation: no maxima were found
over the burn-off range studied (0-74%). ACFs prepared from Nomex are micr
oporous and exhibit more uniform and narrower porosity than those prepared
from Kevlar flock under equivalent conditions. It is believed that these ma
terials could constitute a suitable precursor for carbon molecular sieves.
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