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U.S. Department of Energy
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PITCH BINDERS FOR GRAPHITE: A SURVEY OF THE LITERATURE

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4685135

The general properties, composition, pyrolysis, and effect on molded graphite bodies of coal-tar pitch are reviewed. It was estimated that as many as 5000 different individual compounds are present in pitch in varying amounts. Practically all of them are in the same class, that of multiringed aromatic hydrocarbons. The majority of these are compounds of 3 to 7 rings with molecular weights ranging from 170 to 380 and are present as associated colloids'' or loosely bound aromatic clusters. An insoluble phase similar to carbon black is also present which, although it makes no direct contribution to the binding action, nevertheless influences the properties of both the pitch itseif and the molded graphite products made with pitch. During the process of producing a graphite body from a filler-pitch-binder mix, the binder undergoes several heat- induced changes. Many of the conclusions on the mechanism of pitch pyrolysis were confirmed by studies on pure organic compounds known to be present in pitch. These studies included thermal stability, reactivity, differential thermal analysis, coke residue yields, and freeradical affinities. The relationship of the properties of the finished carbon or graphite body to the ingredients used, particularly the binder, was also reviewed. (M.C.G.)

Research Organization:
General Atomic Div. General Dynamics Corp., San Diego, Calif.
DOE Contract Number:
AT(04-3)-167
NSA Number:
NSA-17-030508
OSTI ID:
4685135
Report Number(s):
GA-3985
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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