KINETICS OF MESOPHASE FORMATION IN A STIRRED-TANK REACTOR AND PROPERTIES OF THE PRODUCTS .5. CATALYSIS BY FERROCENE

The study is concerned with ferrocene as a catalyst precursor of an ir on-catalyzed pyrolysis of pitch. Pyrolysis studies using a petroleum p itch showed the accelerating effect of iron, the limited lifetime of t he catalyst iron due to poisoning by sulfur, and a strong influence of iron in the nucleation and the growth of mesophase spherulites. As co mpared to the pure pitch, the spherulites are nearly equal in size, an d their surface is disturbed by segregated material containing iron an d iron sulfide. The tendency for coalescence of these spherulites is s trongly diminished.