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Compatibility of mesophase pitch and linear low-density polyethylene for low-cost carbon fiber

Journal Article · · Journal of Polymer Research

Mesophase pitch and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) were blended by shear mixing and extruded producing precursor fibers which were then converted to carbon fibers (CFs). LLDPE additives agglomerate within the isotropic spheres rather than uniformly dispersing throughout the entire matrix. The blends possess different thermal properties and precursor tensile properties evident by two-phase tensile stress nature not present in precursor fibers produced from pure pitch. The resultant CFs were oxidized at 280 °C for 4 h and carbonized at 1000 °C for 15 min. This process created pitch CFs with a tensile strength of 1.23 GPa and a Young’s modulus of 99 GPa. All CFs produced from blends of pitch and LLDPE possessed a tensile strength of 0.63 GPa and less. These CFs showed a microstructure slightly different from the pure pitch CFs with fractured CF cross sections revealing voids present in all blended CFs due to burnt off LLDPE stemming from carbonization. Further study into compatibilizers and new conversion processes is required to successfully blend LLDPE with mesophase pitch for the purpose of producing a new low-cost CF.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Sustainable Transportation. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies Office (HFTO)
Grant/Contract Number:
EE0009239
OSTI ID:
1969952
Journal Information:
Journal of Polymer Research, Journal Name: Journal of Polymer Research Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 30; ISSN 1022-9760
Publisher:
Springer NatureCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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