Methods for enhancing the formation of mesophase in pitch compositions derived from hydrocarbon feedstocks

A process comprising:

• mixing an isotropic feed and a seeding agent to make a blend and reacting in a reaction zone, in a batch, semi-batch or continuous mode, the blend comprising the isotropic feed and the seeding agent, to produce a reacted pitch having a mesophase content of about 10 vol % to 100 vol %, based on the total volume of the reacted pitch, and a softening point Tsp below 400° C.;
• wherein the seeding agent is about 50 wt % or less, based on the total weight of the blend;
• wherein the seeding agent is a mesophase pitch having a mesophase content of about 60 vol % to 100 vol %, based on the total volume of the seeding agent;
• separating the reacted pitch in a separation zone to produce:
• a first effluent comprising a mixture of gaseous products and liquid products;
• and
• a second effluent comprising a separated pitch having a mesophase content of about 10 vol % or greater, based on the total volume of the separated pitch, a softening point Tsp below 400° C., wherein the reacted pitch and/or the separated pitch are/is suitable for spinning into carbon fiber;
• and
• recycling at least a portion of the second effluent back to the reaction zone, wherein the separated pitch is used as the seeding agent.