▎ 摘　　要

NOVELTY - Preparing carbon fibers comprise: (a) converting coal to a low-softening point carbon pitch; (b) extruding the pitch into carbon fibers; (c) adding a graphite/graphene sheath to the carbon fibers; and (d) calcining the carbon fibers, where the coal comprises bituminous, sub-bituminous and/or lignite, the pitch is an anisotropic mesophase carbon pitch and the pitch has a high oxygen content. USE - The process is useful for preparing carbon fibers, which is useful in an article (all claimed). ADVANTAGE - The process: provides the carbon fibers with improved properties including anisotropic thermal conductivity, high carbon content, reduced voids and improved mechanical properties; involves a non-combustion use of low-ranking coals; exhibits fewer environmental hazards compared to combustion uses of raw materials that are otherwise of low economic and commercial value; and is efficient and greatly reduces the residence time for curing and graphitization of carbon fibers.