Pyrolized fuel oil (PFO) was reformed by novel electron beam (E-beam) radiation, and the elemental composition, chemical bonds, average molecular weight, solubility, softening point, yields, and density of the modified patches were characterized. These properties of modified pitch were dependent on the reforming method (heat or E-beam radiation treatment) and absorbed dose. Aromaticity (Fa), average molecular weight, solubility, softening point, and density increased in proportion to the absorbed dose of E-beam radiation, with the exception of the highest absorbed dose, due to modification by free radical polymerization and the powerful energy intensity of E-beam treatment. The H/C ratio and yield exhibited the opposite trend for the same reason. These results indicate that novel E-beam radiation reforming is suitable for the preparation of aromatic pitch with a high β-resin content.

Spinnable pitch for melt-electrospinning was obtained from pyrolized fuel oil by electron beam (E-beam) radiation treatment. The modifiedpitch was characterized by measuring its elemental composition, softening point, viscosity, molecular weight, and spinnability. The softening point and viscosity properties of the modifiedpitch were influencedby reforming types (heat or E-beam radiation treatment) and the use of a catalyst. The softening point and molecular weight were increased in proportion to absorbed doses of E-beam radiation and added AlCl3 due to the formation of pitch by free radical polymerization. The range of the molecular weight distribution of the modifiedpitch becomes narrow with better spinning owing to the generated aromatic compounds with similar molecular weight. The diameter of melt-electrospun pitch fibersunder applied power of 20 kV decreased 53% (4.7 ± 0.9 μm) compared to that of melt-spun pitch fibers(10.2 ± 2.8 μm). It is found that E-beam treatment for reforming could be a promising method in terms of time-savings and cost-effectiveness, and the melt-electrospinning method is suitable for the preparation of thinner fibersthan those obtained with the conventional melt-spinning method.