Catalyst assisted graphitisation of calcined petroleum coke (CPC) in an extended argon arc plasma reactor (EAAPR)

Abstract

In the present investigations the effect of addition of boron to the calcined petroleum coke (cpc) charge on its high temperature graphitisation behaviour is studied. An extended argon arc plasma reactor (EAAPR) of 35 kW capacity is utilised for heating the quasi crystalline calcined petroleum coke to the graphitisation temperature. The XRD studies on boron mixed samples heat-treated in argon arc plasma showed peaks corresponding to pure 4-H graphite. The sample mixed with 5 wt% boron and heat treated in argon arc plasma for 45 minutes shows electrical resistivity of 0.024 Omega cm and apparent density of 1.95 g/cc. The cpc sample mixed With 0.5 wt% boron and plasma heat treated in argon arc plasma showed resistivity of 0.03 Omega cm and apparent density of 2 g/cc. The boron additions as catalyst in different concentrations seem to enhance kinetics of high temperature plasma graphitisation.