The Effect of Polyvinyl Chloride on the Properties of Coal Tar Pitch

Abstract

Coal tar pitch is a thermoplastic material, which exhibits weak polymer properties. This material is a promising raw material for the production of various carbon materials due to its availability and cheapness. However, its properties often do not meet the requirements for the production of modern carbon materials. This paper presents the results of the studies of the effect of polyvinyl chloride on the properties of coal tar pitch. Experimental studies have shown that polyvinyl chloride actively influences the properties of the modified pitch. The fractional composition of the modified pitch changed: the number of higher molecular α2- and β-fractions increased, and the amount of low molecular weight γ-fraction decreased. It was found that modified pitch viscosity increased with an increase in the amount of polyvinyl chloride. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) photographs confirmed that the interaction between pitch and polyvinyl chloride is accompanied by molecular-structural transformations, as a result of which the structure of the modified pitch changes. Thus, knowledge of the regularities of interaction processes between the pitch and polyvinyl chloride makes it possible to significantly change its properties. It may be useful for adjusting pitch to use it as a precursor for various carbon materials.