The Oxidative Stabilization and Carbonization of Mesophase Pitch
Abstract
The transformation of mesophase pitch to an ordered carbon by high temperature heat treatment or pyrolysis in an inert atmosphere must be preceded by a suitable period of thermosetting or oxidative stabilization. The chemical process of oxidative stabilization is not well characterized, although research has clearly indicated that the oxidation history of the mesophase has a profound impact on the mechanical qualities of the resultant carbon product. In this study, we oxidized samples of a commercially available, synthetic mesophase pitch to determine what effect different time and temperature profiles of oxidation had on the quantity and type of introduced oxygen functionality. Samples of pitch were then carbonized to investigate the effect of introduced oxygen functionality on that process. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to characterize and quantify oxygen functionality present in oxidized pitch. Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Thermal Volatilization Analysis (TVA) were then used to characterize the carbonization process.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA282026
Entities
People
- Joseph Iii Drbohlav
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology