“…Although many types of pores, with various shape and size, are present in the graphite structure, it is generally agreed that large, slit-shaped pores are the most damaging to the graphite integrity [4]. Initiation of fracture cracks and propagation of cracks to sub-critical length before catastrophic failure are components of theoretical models of graphite fracture [5]. However, when a component of the graphite structure (of which the binder has the weakest oxidation resistance) is gasified through oxidation, it is conceivable that, along with density variations, the material's microstructure and basic strength properties would be affected [6,7].…”