Abstract: Processes are described for the production of a pitch for use in the manufacture of carbon composite materials. The process comprises the steps of providing a purified coal product (PCP), wherein the PCP is in particulate form, and wherein at least about 90% by volume (% v) of the particles are no greater than about 25 ?m in diameter; wherein the PCP has an ash content of less than about 10% m; and combining the PCP with a feedstock for pitch to create a combined blended mixture suitable for thermal reaction followed by distillation to create a resultant pitch. The combined blended mixture comprises at least around 0.1% m and at most around 90% m PCP. Composite materials that find utility as carbon electrodes, particularly electrolytic baked carbon anodes, can be made from combining the pitch and PCP with a filler material, such as a pet coke.