Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for preparing a homogenous activated carbon/zirconium or hafnium phosphate product in situ which comprises mixing a carbonaceous organic material with a zirconium or hafnium compound and a phosphoric acid or phosphate salt, and heat-treating said mixture under conditions to convert the carbonaceous material into activated carbon and to convert the zirconium or hafnium compound into zirconium or hafnium phosphate. Advantageously, a molar excess of phosphoric acid over that required to convert the zirconium (or hafnium) compound into zirconium (or hafnium) phosphate is used. Advantageously, also, the heat-treated mixture is washed to remove excess phosphoric acid and dried to remove moisture. Another advantageous embodiment of the invention comprises forming the mixture into a desired shape prior to its heat-treating.

Abstract: Carbonaceous pyropolymers possessing recurring units containing at least carbon and hydrogen atoms composited on a solid support may be prepared in a solid state process. The process is effected by treating a high surface area solid support such as an inorganic oxide as exemplified by alumina with an organic monomer which is capable of being polymerized by thermal, ionic, or free radical polymerization methods. The monomer is polymerized on the surface of the support under polymerization conditions and thereafter the polymer-coated support is subjected to pyrolysis at temperatures ranging from about 600.degree. to about 1200.degree. C. to form a carbonaceous pyropolymer. If so desired, this composite may then be subjected to the action of a dissolving agent under conditions which will dissolve or leach out the solid support, thus leaving a carbonaceous pyropolymer possessing recurring units containing at least carbon and hydrogen atoms.

Abstract: An improved process which makes possible the expeditious formation of activated carbon fibers having high absorptivity characteristics is provided. A polybenzimidazole fibrous material is contacted with a solution of an acid (e.g. sulfuric acid) so as to form a polybenzimidazonium salt (as described), and the resulting fibrous material is preoxidized, carbonized, and activated under the conditions defined which have been found to reliably and expeditiously yield the desired product. The resulting activated carbon fiber product exhibits a dynamic weight absorptivity of at least 100 mg. of CCl.sub.4 per gram, and particularly is suited for the formation of protective garments having highly satisfactory sorptive characteristics.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing activated carbon fibers is disclosed. The method is comprised of the steps of:(1) causing an acrylic fiber to contain therein a treating agent selected from the group consisting of phosphorus and boron compounds in a concentration of 0.01 to 0.3% by weight as phosphorus or boron based on the weight of the fiber;(2) preoxidizing the acrylic fiber in an oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature exceeding 200.degree. C. and giving a core ratio of 18% until the amount of bonded oxygen becomes not less than 15% by weight based on the weight of the fiber thereby producing a preoxidized fiber;(3) adjusting the concentration of the treating agent in the preoxidized fiber to a level in the range of 0.04 to 1% by weight based on the thus obtained preoxidized fiber; and(4) thereafter activating the fiber at a temperature in the range of 900.degree. to 1,300.degree. C. The resulting fiber has improved high strength, high adsorbing ability and high processibility.