Modification of Electrode Pitch

Abstract

The phenolic fraction of coal tar may be used to modify the group composition and rheology of pitch, according to the results of the present study. Modification of electrode pitch with a softening temperature of 55°C changes the group composition of the β fraction. That improves characteristics such as the sorptional capacity, limiting wetting angle, and wetting index. Theoretical and practical research shows that introducing 15–20% of the phenolic fraction in 1000 g of pitch improves its plasticity. The processes responsible for the characteristics of pitch in each technological step are studied. The thermochemical transformations of the pitch components with coal tar at low levels of pyrolysis are identified. By this means, the group composition of coal pitch may be modified.