EFFECT OF GRAPHITE OR FECL3-GRAPHITE INTERCALATION COMPOUNDS ON THE MESOPHASE DEVELOPMENT IN COAL-TAR PITCH

The influence of the addition of first stage FeCl3-graphite intercalat ed compounds (GIG) or pristine graphite to coal tar pitch (CTP) upon t he formation and the development of mesophase has been studied at 400, 430 and 450 degrees C. Differences in the final samples were principa lly observed and studied via polarized light microscopic examinations of partially carbonized portions of the green-cokes. The insolubility was also investigated. The addition of pristine graphite to CTP inhibi ts the development of the mesophase: its presence generates a physical barrier which hinders the mobility and the coalescence of mesophase s pherules. In the case of the addition of GIC to the CTP, the Lewis aci d FeCl3 desorbed out of the graphene layers plays the role of a cataly st during the early sta es of the mixture carbonization, by enhancing the rate of formation of the mesophase. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Sc ience Ltd