Cross-sectional observation of surface graphitization in furan-resin-derived carbon

Carbons synthesized from thermosetting resins are generally grouped into no ngraphitizable carbons, Furan-resin-derived carbon is one of the well-known nongraphitizable carbons. We investigated the microstructures of furan-res in-derived carbon by cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, and found that graphitization occurred at the surface. This is the first cross- sectional observation of surface graphitization in furan-resin-derived carb on. The surface graphite layer was approximately 20 or 30 nm in thickness i n the specimen beat-treated at 3273 K for 1800 s. Atomic stacking in the la yer was parallel to the specimen surface. The interior of the specimen was not graphitic but a cage structure.