Abstract
This study presents the conversion of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) co-polymers containing methyl acrylate (MA) and varying concentrations of itaconic acid (IA) comonomers, from precursor fibre into carbon fibre using pilot scale continuous processes. The impact of itaconic acid on fibre processability, thermal behaviour, energy consumption, and final mechanical properties during thermal oxidative stabilization (TOS) and carbonization are investigated. Itaconic acid concentration varies from 0.3 to 3 wt % and with increasing concentration of itaconic acid, the precursor fibre exhibited lower exothermicity and enhanced reactivity, resulting in 7 % less energy consumption during stabilization. Higher itaconic acid content led to improved carbon fibre properties. A 20 % increase in tensile strength was recorded for carbon fibres containing the highest amount of itaconic acid along with a higher amount of graphitic structure and carbon yield. Overall, this study explores the impact of precursor design on fibre properties as a route to the manufacture of carbon fibre with reduced embodied energy. The results of this study illustrate pathways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of carbon fibre production, and to ultimately create high-performance, lightweight, and more sustainable carbon fibre-reinforced composites.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
