Moldable and Machinable Porous Carbon Structures Obtained from Whey

A new porous carbon structures made by sintering whey powder in a mold at 150ºC and subsequent carbonization and/or activation are described. These porous carbon structures represent a step beyond simple activated carbon monoliths, as they can take the shape of any mold and machined if necessary. These carbon materials have a porosity that can reach up 70%, made up of a system of hierarchical and interconnected pores, which gives them a high permeability. Furthermore, they have a much higher mechanical strength than other porous carbon monoliths. Key Words: carbon structures, monoliths, porous carbon, activated carbon, machining, sintering, whey, whey powder.