Activation and oxidation of carbon-based materials impregnated with potassium carbonate

A review of the catalytic oxidation of carbon–carbon composite aircraft brakes

“…Strelko and co-authors [35] assumed that the catalytic gasification of carbon was the result of electron exchanges between a metal and the carbon matrix, leading to the formation of oxides of carbon and metal-carbon complexes. In particular, carbon dioxide which was liberated by the thermal decomposition of K 2 CO 3 effectively activated the carbon material creating a porous structure.…”

“…Following impregnation of carbon cloth in K 2 CO 3 solution, Strelko and co-authors [35] observed that the ideal temperature for activation and oxidation of the carbon material was 300°C, while at 350°C there was intensive burn-off. It was suggested that the initial carbon oxidation favoured the inclusion of potassium ions into the inter-planar space of carbon microcrystallites, enhancing their reactivity with an oxidant.…”