The microstructure of highly-oriented graphite tape prepared from mesophase pitch by melt-blowing

A highly-oriented continuous carbon/graphite tape was prepared from a coal tar-based mesophase pitch by melt-blowing using a slit type nozzle. The average thickness and width of tape were ca. 20 μm and 7.2 mm, respectively. The molten precursor pitch was continuously extruded through the slit nozzle to produce a pitch tape along the drawing direction. The tape was oxidized, carbonized and graphitized. The micro area X-ray diffraction revealed that the carbon layer planes were oriented parallel to the tape surface indicating a strong anisotropy. The orientation was greater in the tape drawing direction than in the tape width direction, and also in the center area than in the edge area. The mechanical properties were higher than those of conducting polymers, but lower than those of carbon fiber with lower elastic modulus grade.