Epoxy nanocomposites with float catalysis-produced CNT felt as a filler were prepared. Parameters such as the curing process, glass transition of epoxynanocomposites, structure and morphology of CNT felt, initial epoxy composition, and epoxy nanocomposites were investigated. The influence of CNT felt on curing process in epoxy nanocomposites with different amounts of curing agent was determined. An exothermic reaction between the curing agent and the surface of CNTs was established. It was found that the structure of epoxy nanocomposites has a high degree of heterogeneity: the presence of fiber-like structures and individualized CNTs is observed together with the regions that are typical for CNTs that are fabricated via a catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Based on the studies performed, it is possible to predict the production of epoxy nanocomposites with outstanding mechanical and thermophysical properties. In particular, the uncured compositions already obtained in this work can be used for the manufacture of electrically conductive glass and carbon fiber reinforced plastics and functional coatings.

The introduction of exfoliated graphite into pelletized Co-based catalysts affects in the most positive way both catalytic and physico-chemical properties. Unlike other carbons, the exfoliated graphite allows combination of extended surface with high thermal conductivity. An open-ended system of slit-type pores is revealed by X-ray tomography. Electron microscopy shows graphitic platelets forming an all-penetrating heat-conductive frame. Element distribution analysis shows that this catalyst cannot be considered as a cobalt-on-carbon catalyst since the graphitic component carries insignificant amount of cobalt and serves as a heat-conductive frame only. Thermal conductivity of a catalyst with graphite frame is 2 times higher than that of its industrial predecessor with Al metal frame and 30 times higher than that of a catalyst without heat-conductive additive. Testing in exothermal Fischer-Tropsch synthesis shows a favorable influence of the graphitic additive, i.e. such catalyst shows productivity of 455 g/kg/h at GHSV of 3000 h(-1).

HBeta and HZSM-5 zeolites as well as zeolite-based Co catalysts are active in various transformation reactions of liquid hydrocarbons, e.g., the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, in the temperature range of 170–260°C. The conversion and distribution of liquid and gaseous products in case of hydrocarbon mixture transformation does not follow the pattern set by individual hydrocarbons. The results cannot be interpreted by simple superposition of individual hydrocarbon reactions thus revealing a synergistic effect.

Redox properties of catalytic environment, namely He as neutral, H2 as reducing and H2–H2O as reducing–oxidative one, determine the conversion of hydrocarbons on Co–zeolite catalysts at 170–260°C as well as product distribution. The highest yield of isomerized products was achieved in reducing medium, while the methane formation was suppressed most efficiently in neutral and reducing–oxidative environments. Two distinct ranges can be identified for temperature dependencies of reaction parameters, namely 170–210 and 220–260°C.