Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Liquid-Phase Pyrolysis as Basis of the Carbon Matrix of CFRC

Abstract

Liquid phase pyrolysis of hydrocarbons represents the basis for important technical processes such as the production of petroleum or pitch cokes. Coking of binder and impregnation pitches in the production of artificial carbons is another example where liquid-phase pyrolysis plays a significant role. The largest challenge in liquid-phase pyrolysis doubtless represents the production of carbon fibre reinforced carbons. Up to six and more impregnation/carbonization cycles are necessary to form a dense carbon matrix around the fibres /1/. The reasons which make multiple cycles necessary are (1) the density change or density difference, respectively, between the hydrocarbon (pitch) and the resulting coke, and (2) the coke yield which is far below unity. Both problems will be discussed in this paper.