Shrinkage and Machining

As mentioned in Sec. 2.2 above, the precursor poiymer shrinks considerably and the design of the moided part must accommodate this shrinkage to obtain a final product close to the desired shape. This is sometimes difficult to achieve and a machining operation is often necessary. Because of the high hardness of vitreous carbon, it should be machined with diamond tools. 

Chemical Applications. Many applications of vitreous carbon are based on its outstanding chemical resistance. These applications include vessels for chemical processing and analyticed chemistry such as crucibles, beakers, boats, dishes, reaction tubes, lining for pressure vessels, etc.l i Metallurgical and Glass Applications. Vitreous carbon reacts to molten metals that form carbides readily such as the elements of groups IV, V and VI, i.e., Ti, Zr, Hf, Nb, Ta, W. However, it is inert to and not wetted by other molten metals and, for that reason, it is used widely as crucibles for 

Battery Electrodes. The chemical inertness and good electrical conductivity of vitreous carbon makes it a potentially excellent material for acid-battery electrodes.t lf 21 

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