Pitch and Mesophase Fibers

Abstract

The pitch fibers and mesophase fibers discussed in this chapter are produced from. isotropic pitch and mesophase pitch precursors, respectively. Thus, perhaps they would be more accurately termed isotropic pitch-based and mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers. Even though presently these fibers represent only about 10% of the total carbon fibers produced worldwide, potentially, they could become a low-cost alternative to PAN-based carbon fibers. This, coupled with their unique ability to develop a graphitic structure, makes these fibers extremely attractive candidates for present research and future market growth.