Process for producing mesophase pitch
AssigneeUnion Carbide Corporation
InventorEdgar Ronald McHenry
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved process for producing carbon fibers from pitch which has been transformed, in part, to a liquid crystal or so-called "mesophase" state. According to the process, pitch of a given mesophase content, suitable for producing carbon fibers, is produced in substantially shorter periods of time than heretofore possible, at a given temperature, by passing an inert gas through the pitch during formation of the mesophase.
Claims3
A process for producing a mesophase pitch which comprises heating a carbonaceous pitch in an inert atmosphere at a temperature of from 350.degree. C. to 450.degree. C. for a time sufficient to produce a mesophase content of from 40 percent by weight to 90 percent by weight while passing an inert gas through the pitch during formation of the mesophase at a rate of at least 0.5 scfh. per pound of pitch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.