Graphitization of polyacrylonitrile carbon fibers and graphite irradiated by γ rays

Abstract: To investigate the effect of γ-ray radiation on the microstructure of carbon fibers (CF) and graphite, the carbon fibers and graphite were irradiated by 60Co source at room temperature. X-ray diffraction results indicate that the interlayer spacing d 002 of CF and graphite decreased after irradiation. The intensity of (002) peak in CF decreased while the peak of the (002) plane in graphite becomes sharper after irradiation. Scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy determines that γ-ray irradiation slightly improves the carbon content of CF surface layer. Compton scattering effect and heating caused by γ-ray are proposed to be responsible for the graphitization of CF and graphite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]