Pyrolytic carbon is a form of deposited carbon produced by thermal decomposition of a carbon-containing precursor. The name specifies a preparation route, not one uniquely fixed crystal structure or degree of ordering.
The deposited material can contain differently oriented graphitic domains. Texture therefore matters: properties measured parallel and perpendicular to preferred layers can differ strongly. Highly ordered pyrolytic graphite is a particular well-oriented material, whereas the broader term pyrolytic carbon also covers less ordered deposits. Preparation conditions, porosity and microstructure are needed to interpret a measured mechanical or thermal property.
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