摘要 |
The oxidation of carbon fibers from pitch is carried out directly by winding the spun fibers on to a spinning spool or bobbin, said spool comprising an open ended, porous, non-expanding or collapsible spool. The spun carbon fibers are wound on such a spinning spool so as to leave open areas between fiber bundles. A mixture of an inert gas such as air or nitrogen containing a minor amount of oxygen is used as the oxidizing gas. Oxidation is carried out in a closed zone, e.g. an oven, for a period of time of at least 4 hours at a temperature that is initially below the glass transistion temperature of the carbon fibers and is slowly increased over the oxidation time to a maximum of about 340 DEG C. The gaseous oxidation atmosphere is continuously recycled and passed through the spool to ensure that the fibers are essentially completely oxidized. |