Optical and structural modeling of disclination lattices in carbonaceous mesophases

An integrated microstructural and optical model for carbonaceous mesophases is developed and used to explain the principles that govern the formation and stability of experimentally observed disclination lattices. The model is able to capture the orientation features of disclination lattices, including the type and location of disclination lines, and the orientation field in the mesophase matrix. The optical model based on reflection polarized optical microscopy is able to replicate all the details observed in actual observations. The typical brush figures have the proper distribution, orientation, and intensity. The computational predictions offer science-based routes to create and control desirable material architectures based on carbonaceous mesophase-carbon fiber composites.