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.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the production of anisotropic coke, the process comprising 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 100 ?m in diameter; wherein the PCP has an ash content of less than about 10% m and a water content of less than around 5% m. The PCP is combined with a feedstock oil, such as a decant oil, in order to create a combined solid-liquid blend, wherein the solid-liquid blend comprises at least around 0.1% m and at most around 50% m PCP. The solid-liquid blend is subjected to a temperature in excess of 400° C., typically as part of a delayed coker process, for a time period sufficient to induce formation of mesophase, and production of anisotropic coke. Improved yields of valuable needle coke can be obtained via the processes described.