Synthesis and characterization of mesophase coke from medium-low-temperature coal tar pitch modified by high-pressure thermal polymerization

Medium-low-temperature coal tar pitch (MLP) is a by-product of semi-coke fabrication with a high content of carbon. However, the small amount of aromatic organic compounds in MLP makes prevents its practical use as a feedstock for the production of high-quality artificial carbon materials (such as needle coke) via direct thermal conversion. To understand the effects of autogenous pressure thermal polymerization (APTP) on the microstructure of mesophase coke, we performed APTP at different reaction temperatures to produce MLP, which was further utilized as a starting material for the synthesis of mesophase coke. The microstructure of mesophase coke was studied by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the micro-strength of the mesophase coke was examined. We concluded that the APTP treatment of MLP before direct carbonization of a liquid is an excellent method for the production of high-quality mesophase coke.