Vapor grown carbon fibers with increased bulk density and method for making same

Abstract

Carbon fiber with increased bulk density comprising vapor grown carbon fiber is provided. The preferred method of increasing the carbon fiber bulk density comprises mixing a vapor grown carbon fiber with a diameter of less than about 1 .mu.m and an initial bulk density of less than about 0.2 lb/ft.sup.3 with an aqueous-based solution, blending the mixture under high shear conditions, and drying the blended mixture. Upon drying, the mixture forms a carbon fiber mass with an increased bulk density having a final bulk density of at least about 3 lb/ft.sup.3. The increased bulk density carbon fiber pellets are ideally suited for use as reinforcing materials in rubber, plastic and the like. Preferably, the aqueous-based solution is a latex containing solution and latex is deposited on the fibers.

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