Steam Activation Behaviors of Oxidatively Stabilized Petroleum-based Pitch Fibers Spun by Melt-blown Method

Short pitch fibers were prepared from petroleum based isotropic precursor pitch by melt-blown technology. The pitch fibers were stabilized in oxidizing condition, followed by steam activations at various conditions. The fiber surface and pore structures of the activated carbon fibers (ACFs) were respectively characterized by using SEM and applying BET theory from nitrogen adsorption at 77 K. The weight loss of the oxidized fiber was proportional to activation temperature and activation time, independently. The adsorption isotherms of the nitrogen on the ACFs were constructed and analyzed to be as Type I consisting of micropores mainly. The specific surface area of the ACFs proportionally increased with the weight loss at a given activation temperature. The specific surface area was ranged 850~1900 $m^2/g$ with pores of narrow distribution in sizes. The average pore size was ranged 5.8~14.1 ${\AA}$ with the larger value from the more severe activation condition.