Thermal treatment of pitch-polymer blends

Coal-tar pitch was modified by addition of polystyrene, poly(ethylene terephthalate), unsaturated polyester and coumarone-indene resin. The optimum conditions for production of homogeneous binary pitch-polymer blends containing 10% w/w of the polymer were established. Softening points, contents of toluene and quinoline-insoluble matters and rheological properties of the blends were determined. The yield of solid fraction in semi-coking the blends was also found. The effect of polymers on the coal-tar pitch blend properties was evaluated. Some pitch-polymer blends were then carbonized to carbon sorbents used for purification of water and wastewater.