Enhanced Sulfur Removal of Coal Via Carbon Fiber Production

摘要

The characterization of highly graphitic vapor-grown carbon fiber (VGCF) produced by the floating catalyst method was determined to evaluate the effect of processing changes on the VGCF properties. Properties examined were bulk density, bulk resistivity of compressed fiber bundles, UV absorption of acetone extractables, graphitic index, pH value, and ASTM dibutyl phthalate absorption number. The data show the properties do not vary significantly from three different reactor tubes used to produce the fibers. Of the properties examined, only graphitic index, density and UV absorption of acetone extractables appear to be independent of sampling handling. Resistivity is directly correlated to the pressure exerted to from the fiber pellet due to the layering of the fiber bundles. The pH of fiber samples suspended in water does not vary significantly. The dibutyl phthalate absorption number is strongly affected by the compression of the material. Thus, only the graphitic index, the UV absorption of acetone extractables, and the apparent density will be used to aid in process quality control and to determine the process conditions required to produce carbon fiber with properties optimized for specific conditions using high sulfur coal dust.