Abstract: A method for producing an impregnating petroleum pitch in two steps. In the first step, aromatic oils undergo polymerization with a controlled feed of an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature of less than 700.degree. F to a softening point of from about 30.degree. to about 100.degree. C, and in a second step, the pitch is stripped under controlled conditions in an inert environment to a softening point of between 100.degree.-135.degree. C. This low temperature with controlled stripping permits the formation of an impregnating pitch having a beta resin content of less than about 15% with a low quinoline insolubles content, and a Conradson Carbon of about 50%.Benzene Insolubles, as herein disclosed, are determined by ASTM D-2317; Quinoline Insolubles are determined by ASTM D-2318; Conradson Carbon is determined by ASTM D-189; and Softening Point by ASTM D-3104.