Abstract: A method of forming a graphitic carbon body employs compression and resistance heating of a stock blend of coke and pitch. Preferably, the stock includes raw coke, high melting point pitch, and carbon fibers derived from pitch. Optionally, the stock may also include calcinated coke, graphite, carbon fibers, coal tar or petroleum pitch, or coking catalysts such as sulfur. During molding of the body, resistance heating is accompanied by application of mechanical pressure to increase the density and carbonization of the resulting preform body. The preform is then subjected to a graphitization temperature to form a graphitic carbon body, such as a graphite electrode or pin. Optionally, after hot-pressing, the preform electrode or pin may be subjected to one or more densification steps employing a carbonizable pitch to further increase the density of the preform prior to the graphitization step.

Abstract: A process for preparing graphite articles is presented. In particular, the process includes employing a particulate fraction comprising at least about 35 weight percent coke, coal or combinations thereof having a diameter such that a major fraction of it passes through a 0.25 mm to 25 mm mesh screen. The particulate fraction is mixed with a liquid or solid pitch binder, to form a stock blend; the stock blend is extruded to form a green stock; the green stock is baked to form a carbonized stock; and the carbonized stock is graphitized. The stock blend further includes carbon fibers added after mixing of the particulate fraction and pitch has begun.