A two-stage preparation of mesophase pitch from the vacuum residue of FCC decant oil

The preparation of mesophase pitch as a precursor for the high-performance carbon fiber from a vacuum residue of FCC-decant oil (FCC-DOVR) was studied, applying a two-stage heat treatment to improve the pitch yield as well as its liquid crystal properties. The present two-stage preparation consisted of the pressurized heat treatment (1–5 MP) of the first stage at 430–480°C and the successive heat treatment under 13–260 Pa at 430°C. Such a two-stage preparation increased the yield of the spinnable mesophase pitch of 100% domain texture with lower softening point to 45% from 22% by the single-stage one from the same feedstock. Spinning properties of the mesophase pitch were excellent to allow smooth spinning for longer than 15 min and random orientation of mesogen molecules in the tranverse section of the fiber perpendicular to the fiber axis. The chemistry of the two-stage preparation for the higher yield and better properties as the fiber precursor is briefly discussed.