2-03　Synthesis of Graphitizable “Green Pitch” Using Pine Resin Components

Abstract

To develop a method for producing pitch—a raw material for graphite and carbon-based materials—from non-fossil resources, we investigated the transformation of rosin, a natural resin component derived from pine trees, into pitch via a two-step chemical conversion process. This process involved catalytic deoxygenation/dehydrogenation/aromatization, and subsequent polymerization. The proposed methodology yielded a synthetic pitch with a high conversion efficiency of approximately 35% by weight. Elemental analysis confirmed the absence of nitrogen, sulfur, and ash, and the product exhibited favorable graphitization characteristics. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of producing graphite-compatible clean pitch, termed "green pitch," from biomass, thereby offering a promising route toward renewable carbon material synthesis.