Characterization of differently shaped carbon fiber composites prepared from naphtha cracking bottom oil

Different shaped carbon fibers (R-, I-, C-, Y-, and X-type) were prepared from melt-spinning of reformed naphtha cracking bottom oil precursors through various shaped spinnerets. These different shaped CFs (carbon fibers) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) resin were compounded, and then CF/PVC composites were prepared. Precursor pitch, carbon fibers, and composites were characterized and their properties were compared. Mechanical properties of carbon fibers and composites were characterized relating to external surface area and ratio of perimeter to cross-sectional area of carbon fibers. The tensile strength of tetralobal fibers (X-type) showed five times higher than that of round-shaped fibers (R-type) due to extended external surface area. Their tensile strength of CF/PVC composite increased as ratio of perimeter to cross-sectional area of carbon fibers. The magnitude of the ratio was in order to X-, C-, I-, Y-, and R-type.