ABSTRACT: Polymeric carbons are materials whose molecular structure is made basically up of carbon element. Their atoms are bonded through the sp² orbitals forming hexagonal units, which are arranged in stacks of planar layers with different degrees of ordering. The chemical, mechanical and electric characteristics resulting from this structure is known as polymeric carbon, uniquely useful for high-tech applications. The main aspects of the polymeric carbon technology are related to the organic polymer precursor processing, used as raw materials, and to the heat treatment for the carbonization/graphitization steps. Changes in either one can lead to polymeric carbon materials with very different characteristics. Thus, monolithic vitreous carbon structures can be obtained, with less than 1% of closed pores as well as carbon foam structures with nearly 98% of open pores. The aim of this work is to show a review about the basic concepts on the structure, processing and applications of the polymeric carbon materials.
Polymeric carbons; vitreous carbon; reticulated vitreous carbon
