Researchers find way to make carbon fiber from petroleum residue

Abstract

Combined with a polymer matrix, carbon fibers are ideal for applications where lightweight and high strength are needed. They are however more expensive to produce than steel or aluminum. Researchers have now found a way of making carbon fiber from an ultracheap feedstock: petroleum pitch, i.e. the heavy, gloppy waste left over from petroleum refining, which is now only used for low-value applications such as asphalt.