ENHANCED MESOPHASE FORMATION OF PETROLEUM PITCH BY POLYAROMATIC HYDROCARBON ADDITION

Enhanced mesophase yield was achieved for A-240 pitch by addition of aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (anthracene and acenaphthylene) as nucleating agents. A-240 pitch was acid/solvent extracted prior to adding the aromatic hydrocarbons. The mesophase yields increased by significant amounts at 1 wt% addition of the nucleating agents, but decreased at 3 wt% addition. A source of Bronsted acids was required to initiate the catalytic reaction enhancing the mesophase formation.