Production of carbon shaped articles having high anisotropy

Claim 1

In a method for producing carbon shaped articles having high molecular orientation, anisotropy, and modulus of elasticity from pitch as the raw material through the process steps of forming the pitch into the required shape, subjecting the same to infusibilization, carbonization, and optionally graphitization treatments, the improvement which comprises: forming said raw material pitch having specific properties of the carbon content in the range of from 95 to 96.5% by weight, a mean molecular weight of from 400 to 2,000, melt viscosity of from 0.4 to 700 poises at a temperature range of from 320° C to 480° C, said pitch possessing an anisotropic structure and excellent fluidity; and then carrying out said process steps of the infusibilization, carbonization, and optionally graphitization of said shaped articles, in sequence, without applying any tension whatsoever thereto during said treatments, said raw material pitch being obtained by subjecting tetrabenzophenazine to heat treatment at a temperature of from 450° to 600° C for 30 to 90 minutes.