A process for upgrading coal-derived liquids into higher-value isotropic coal tar pitch suitable for advanced carbon-based products. Many coal liquids and low-softening-point pitches are unsuitable for demanding industrial applications. The technology enables controlled enhancement of pitch properties, allowing a broader range of feedstocks to be converted into materials appropriate for carbon fiber, graphite, and electrode manufacturing. The approach improves consistency and repeatability while maintaining product quality.
Description
The technology provides a controlled method for increasing the softening point of coal-derived liquids and pitches at atmospheric pressure to produce isotropic coal tar pitch with properties suitable for advanced manufacturing applications. Conventional approaches can introduce unwanted changes to the material during processing or struggle to achieve consistent product characteristics.
ORNL’s process uses a specialized processing environment that carefully manages operating conditions and material interactions throughout production. The method enables the production of higher-softening-point isotropic pitch while preserving desirable material characteristics and delivering repeatable results across a range of feedstocks. The technology can also process lower-viscosity coal liquids that have traditionally been difficult to convert into useful pitch products.
By expanding the range of usable feedstocks and improving product consistency, the technology provides manufacturers with a reliable pathway to produce coal-based pitch materials for high-performance carbon products, nuclear-grade graphite shapes, and other graphite-related applications.
Benefits
- Converts lower-value coal liquids into higher-value pitch products
- Produces isotropic coal tar pitch with improved and consistent properties
- Expands the range of usable feedstocks
- Repeatable and controlled processing approach
- Supports production of advanced carbon-material feedstocks
Applications and Industries
- Carbon fiber manufacturing
- Graphite production
- Battery electrode materials
- Advanced carbon materials
- Metallurgical and industrial materials processing
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email [email protected] or call 865-574-1051.
Researchers
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email [email protected] or call 865-574-1051.