Wettability of bio-coke by coal tar pitch for its use in carbon anodes

• Comparative study on the micro-structures and the chemical compositions of the bio-cokes.
• Quantitative study on the spreading and penetration ability (wetting capacity) of the pitch on all bio-coke beds.
• The relationship between the characteristics of the bio-cokes and its wettability by coal tar pitch was established.

Information on the wettability of a bio-coke substrate is of great value in assessing its possible use as a potential raw material for carbon anode production. In this study, the interaction mechanisms of a coal tar pitch with six bio-coke substrates were studied at a temperature of 170 °C, a typical industrial value for coke-pitch mixing, using a sessile-drop test. Three bio-cokes were produced from different bio-materials by pyrolyzing them to 426 °C, and the other three by further calcining them to 1200 °C. Different techniques were used to analyze the structural and chemical characteristics of the six bio-cokes. The results show that the heat treatment temperature has a significant influence on the chemical properties of bio-cokes and the wettability of pitch/bio-coke systems. The possibility of partial replacement of petroleum coke by bio-coke is discussed from the point view of the suitability of its structure and its wettability.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide