Graphitization behavior of polymer in the gelcasted alumina by sintering

A new fabrication method of electrical conductive alumina/carbon composite ceramics has been investigated. An advantage of this material is good electrical conductivity based on the uniformity of carbon network generated from polymer in the gelcasted green body. In this study, we discussed the graphitization behavior of the polymer into a gelcasted alumina. As a result of the graphitization, the density, electrical conductivity and degree of graphitization were increasing at a higher temperature. Especially, those values were remarkably increased from 1500°C. The sample sintered at 1700°C, it has an electrical conductivity of 4.11 S/cm and high graphitization similar to pyrolytic graphite. It is thought that the presence and sintering of alumina particle has an important factor in this behavior.