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Abstract

Systems and methods of processing coal to form mesophase pitch include performing a low-severity direct coal liquefaction (LSDCL) process on a coal feedstock to produce a coal tar pitch therefrom. The systems and methods can include contacting coal directly with a catalyst in the presence of a solvent, pressurizing the coal in direct contact with the catalyst in the presence of the solvent to a predetermined pressure of about 1000 psia or less, heating the coal in direct contact with the catalyst in the presence of the solvent to a predetermined temperature of about 380° C. or less, and liquefying the coal to form a coal tar pitch. The coal tar pitch can be thermally treated to a liquid crystal phase exhibiting anisotropic spheres of mesophase and spun to form carbon fibers.

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First Claim