A new pitch reforming from pyrolysis fuel oil by UV irradiation

In this study, pyrolysis fuel oil (PFO) was reformed using heat-treatment and UV irradiation, along with a cross-linker at various concentrations. Oxygen elements of the reformed pitches were increased as the amount of the cross-linker was increased. UV-treated reformed pitches were also composed of more aromatic carbon compounds than pitches reformed by heat-treatment. The softening points of the reformed pitches were measured in the range of 113.6–181.1 °C according to the quantity of cross-linker used. The UV irradiation reforming is practical and helpful for the production of more aromatic pitch.