(Problem) In conventional method for producing artificial graphite, in order to obtain a product having excellent crystallinity, it was necessary to mold a filler and a binder and then repeat impregnation, carbonization and graphitization, and since carbonization and graphitization proceeded by a solid phase reaction, a period of time of as long as 2 to 3 months was required for the production and cost was high and further, a large size structure in the shape of column and cylinder could not be produced. In addition, nanocarbon materials such as carbon nanotube, carbon nanofiber and carbon nanohorn could not be produced. (Means to solve) A properly pre-baked filler is sealed in a graphite vessel and is subsequently subjected to hot isostatic pressing (HIP) treatment, thereby allowing gases such as hydrocarbon and hydrogen to be generated from the filler and precipitating vapor-phase-grown graphite around and inside the filler using the generated gases as a source material, and thereby, an integrated structure of carbide of the filler and the vapor-phase-grown graphite is produced. In addition, nanocarbon materials are produced selectively and efficiently by adding a catalyst or adjusting the HIP treating temperature.

A method for producing microencapsulated fuel pebble fuel more rapidly and with a matrix that engenders added safety attributes. The method includes coating fuel particles with ceramic powder; placing the coated fuel particles in a first die; applying a first current and a first pressure to the first die so as to form a fuel pebble by direct current sintering. The method may further include removing the fuel pebble from the first die and placing the fuel pebble within a bed of non-fueled matrix ceramic in a second die; and applying a second current and a second pressure to the second die so as to form a composite fuel pebble.

A method of producing low CTE graphite electrodes from needle coke formed from a coal tar distillate material having a relatively high initial boiling point.

Disclosed are methods for producing carbon foam in which using the vitrinite reflectance values of coals are used to form a blended coal precursor having a targeted vitrinite reflectance value. The targeted vitrinite reflectance value can be used to create similar carbon foam products from one production batch to the next.

Methods for making printed articles from carbon powder are described. Three-dimensional binder jet printing is used to make a printed article from the carbon powder. Methods are also provided for the production of near net shaped carbonized printed articles and graphitized printed articles.

A process for making low resistivity CVC silicon carbide. Applicants have developed a better process for adding nitrogen to silicon carbide which has the safety economic advantages of doping with N.sub.2 with the ease of N.sub.2 release advantages of using NH.sub.3. Preferred embodiments of the present invention include a NH.sub.3 generator with a source of H.sub.2 and a source of N.sub.2 and an arc discharge apparatus adapted to produce NH.sub.3 gas from a combination of the H.sub.2 and N.sub.2 sources.

A process for making low resistivity CVC silicon carbide. Applicants have developed a better process for adding nitrogen to silicon carbide which has the safety economic advantages of doping with N.sub.2 with the ease of N.sub.2 release advantages of using NH.sub.3. Preferred embodiments of the present invention include a NH.sub.3 generator with a source of H.sub.2 and a source of N.sub.2 and an arc discharge apparatus adapted to produce NH.sub.3 gas from a combination of the H.sub.2 and N.sub.2 sources.

The present invention relates to a hierarchical composite structure comprising an open cell graphene foam or graphene-like foam, wherein the graphene foam or graphene-like foam is coated with a conductive nanoporous spongy structure and wherein at least 10% v/v of the hollow of the pores of the graphene foam or graphene-like foam is filled with the conductive nanoporous spongy structure. The invention also relates to a process for preparing a hierarchical composite structure wherein a conductive nanoporous spongy structure is electrodeposited so as to coat the open-cell graphene foam or graphene-like foam and to partially fill the hollow of the pores of the graphene foam or graphene-like foam.

The present invention relates to a hierarchical composite structure comprising an open cell graphene foam or graphene-like foam, wherein the graphene foam or graphene-like foam is coated with a conductive nanoporous spongy structure and wherein at least 10% v/v of the hollow of the pores of the graphene foam or graphene-like foam is filled with the conductive nanoporous spongy structure. The invention also relates to a process for preparing a hierarchical composite structure wherein a conductive nanoporous spongy structure is electrodeposited so as to coat the open-cell graphene foam or graphene-like foam and to partially fill the hollow of the pores of the graphene foam or graphene-like foam.

A method for producing a component includes a) providing at least two preforms each made of a carbon composite material, b) joining the at least two preforms at least at one respective connecting surface to form a composite, in which a joining compound is introduced between the joining surfaces of the preforms and then cured and the joining compound contains silicon carbide and at least one polymer adhesive, and c) siliconizing the composite to form the component. A component, such as an optical component produced thereby, is also provided.