Abstract: A process for producing refractories wherein an impregnant is filled into open pores of the refractories. The impregnant is the thermoplastic resinous material which is obtained by removing a light fraction having a boiling point of less than 200.degree. C under a reduced pressure of 100 mmHg and having a benzene-insoluble fraction content of less than 10% by weight from at least one member selected from the group consisting of a heavy oil obtained by the steam cracking of petroleum and the polymerization product of said heavy oil. The slag penetration resistance, slag erosion resistance and slaking resistance of the impregnated refractories are improved thereby.

Abstract: Mesophase pitches wherein the planes of the mesophase portions of the pitch are substantially aligned in a single parallel direction, and the c-axes of said planes are substantially aligned in a single parallel direction, are produced by subjecting a mesophase pitch in its molten state to rotational motion relative to a surrounding magnetic field about an axis perpendicular to the direction of that field.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of electrode pitch which includes mixing a highly aromatic residual fraction from petroleum raw materials with a coal tar pitch in a weight ratio of from 1:9 to 9:1 and heating the mixture at a temperature of above 350.degree.C. until a pitch is produced with a softening point above 60.degree.C., an insolubility in anthracene oil and toluene is over 30 percent and a coking value of at least 50 corresponding to binder pitch for the production of carbon, graphite electrodes and refractory material.

Abstract: When cast sulfur-asphalt compositions, e.g., sulfur-asphalt-aggregate pavements and construction articles, are being prepared by mixing and/or heating mixtures comprising sulfur and asphalt at elevated temperatures not exceeding 175.degree.C, the evolution of hydrogen sulfide is substantially reduced by carrying out the mixing and/or heating step in the presence of a hydrogen sulfide suppressant selected from the class consisting of free radical inhibitors and redox (oxidation-reduction) catalysts.