Enhanced Thermal Polycondensation of Heavy Coal Tar to Mesophase Pitch via Polyethylene Modification
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Mesophase pitch (MP) is a high-performance precursor for carbon materials. However, its conventional preparation process is limited by stringent conditions and high costs. In this study, heavy coal tar (HCT) was used as a low-cost carbon source, and polyethylene (PE) was introduced as a modifier to induce MP formation under relatively mild conditions, thereby promoting the thermal polycondensation of HCT. Characterization results show that the addition of different types of PE facilitates the condensation of aromatic molecules and significantly enhances the conversion efficiency of HCT to MP. Among the tested PE types, HDPE exhibits the best performance, with an optimal addition of 6 wt.% at 400 °C, yielding the highest number of uniform mesophase carbon microspheres and the most ordered structure. Based on comprehensive characterization data, an average molecular structure model of the product was constructed, addressing a research gap regarding the role of PE in the thermal polycondensation of HCT. This work provides a new pathway for the energy-efficient preparation and property regulation of MP.
Source: Polymers
Institutions: Changji University, Xi'an University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Fuel Technology
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
Award: G4655842722
OpenAlex ID: W7155560923