Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing silicon carbide. The process includes the steps of (1) mixing .beta.-resin extracted from coal-tar pitch with .alpha.-resin and silica gel; (2) after being dried, grinding the mixture to powder; (3) heating the powder in an atmosphere of nitrogen with a temperature in the range from 300.degree. C. to 480.degree. C. until mesophase is cultured; and (4) proceeding the heat treatment with a higher temperature in the range from 900.degree. C. to 1200.degree. C. for a period in the range from 2 to 7 hours. By the process, the production of silicon carbide can be carried out at low temperatures so that it is cost-effective in energy consumption.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing barium carbonate by adding barium sulfate to coal tar pitch maintained at a temperature of about 350.degree. C. to about 450.degree. C., and thereafter heating the reactants to a temperature between 700.degree. C. to 950.degree. C. in a second stage. The second stage reaction product is reacted with an alkali metal carbonate.