Preparation, Structure and Application of Mesophase Pitches Prepared from Aromatic Hydrocarbons Using HF/BF3 as Catalysts

Abstract

Preparation, structure, properties and a variety of application of mesophase pitches from aromatic hydrocarbons are reviewed to clarify their unique natures in the carbon science and technology. HF/BF3 catalyst oligomerizes a variety of aromatic hydrocarbons into oligomers ranging dimers to decamers, which carry naphthenic hydrogens produced through aryl-aryl coupling. The mesophase pitches can exhibit a variety of properties, reflecting their starting structure and polymerization conditions. For example, softening points of 100% anisotropic pitch range from 210 to 300°C. The mesophase pitches shows excellent carbon yields of 80-90% under atmospheric pressure and over 90% under 3.1 MPa. High reactivity for oxidation in the air and thermal stability under inert atmosphere are additional advantage of the present pitch. Such properties allow a number of their applications for the carbon fiber, carbon tape, composites, high density carbon, porous carbon composite and carbon ceramic composite. Such products exhibited excellent mechanical properties by facile preparation procedure, reflecting the unique properties of the present mesophase pitches whichare now available by a large quantity at a reasonable price.