Influence of Carbon Nanotubes on the Properties of Coke Derived from Heavy Tar.

In the coking of heavy tar at 450–550°C, the influence of added carbon nanotubes on the yield of petroleum coke is studied. The properties of the resulting coke–nanotube composite are determined. Electron-microscopic data show that, in coking a mixture of heavy tar and nanotubes, the petroleum coke is reinforced by carbon nanotubes. Adding carbon nanotubes to heavy tar decreases its sulfur content. The drop in sulfur content of the petroleum coke is associated with the transfer of sulfur to hydrogen sulfide and COS, which are removed with the gas phase. With increase in the content of carbon nanotubes in petroleum coke, the electrical resistance of the coke–nanotube composite declines. Adding 5% of carbon nanotubes to the heavy tar lowers the resistance of the coke produced by a factor of 20. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]