Development of mesoscopic textures in transverse cross-section of mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers

The development of the transverse cross-sectional mesoscopic textures was followed in a series of carbon fibers at the key steps of the heat-treatment from the spinning to the graphitization. Using high resolution scanning electron microscope (HR-SEM), the transverse cross-sectional textures at nano-scale of as-spun, stabilized, carbonized and graphitized fibers were examined. As-spun fibers spun at 300, 310 and 340°C exhibited the radial, random, and onion textures, respectively. Based on the results, the formation and change of the transverse cross-sectional mesoscopic texture in the carbon fiber as well as the microdomain and its orientation in mesophase pitch by spinning were clarified.