Abstract: In a step of spinning a molten mesophase pitch in a process for manufacturing a pitch-type carbon fiber, the pitch is allowed to pass through an orifice and to be contracted once, is then expanded in an introduction port with a diameter greater than that of the orifice, and is then allowed to pass through an outlet pore formed at a collecting portion to spin the pitch. The pitch-type carbon fiber has a high elastic modulus in tension and high compressive strength.

Abstract: A melt-spinning nozzle in which is disposed an elongated molded piece so as to form a space serving as a melt flow path between the elongated molded piece and the inner wall of the nozzle.

Abstract: Provided is a starting pitch for producing carbon fiber by heat-treating the starting pitch to obtain a precursor pitch, melt-spinning the precursor pitch, then rendering the resultant pitch fiber infusible, followed by carbonization, and further followed by graphitization if required, the starting pitch comprising a mixture of (a) 100 parts by weight of a pitch and (b) 5 to 500 parts by weight of a methanol-insoluble and benzene-soluble component contained in a heavy oil obtained in a fluid catalytic cracking of petroleum, the heavy oil having a boiling range not lower than 200.degree. C.