The incorporation or blending of from about 1 to about 10% by volume of a
"carbide precursor" powder, preferably on the order of <100 microns in
size, with a coal particulate starting material and the subsequent
production of carbon foam in accordance with the method described herein,
results in a carbon foam that exhibits significantly enhanced abrasive
characteristics typical of those required in the polishing of, for
example glass, in the manufacture of cathode ray tubes.