Carbon fiber manufacturing via plasma technology

Patent · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2002

OSTI ID:874350

Paulauskas, Felix L ^[1]; Yarborough, Kenneth D ^[2]; Meek, Thomas T ^[1]

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1. Knoxville, TN
2. Oak Ridge, TN

The disclosed invention introduces a novel method of manufacturing carbon and/or graphite fibers that avoids the high costs associated with conventional carbonization processes. The method of the present invention avoids these costs by utilizing plasma technology in connection with electromagnetic radiation to produce carbon and/or graphite fibers from fully or partially stabilized carbon fiber precursors. In general, the stabilized or partially stabilized carbon fiber precursors are placed under slight tension, in an oxygen-free atmosphere, and carbonized using a plasma and electromagnetic radiation having a power input which is increased as the fibers become more carbonized and progress towards a final carbon or graphite product. In an additional step, the final carbon or graphite product may be surface treated with an oxygen-plasma treatment to enhance adhesion to matrix materials.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-96OR22464
• Assignee: UT-Battelle, Inc. (Oak Ridge, TN)
• Patent Number(s): US 6372192
• OSTI ID: 874350
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

carbon
fiber
manufacturing
via
plasma
technology
disclosed
introduces
novel
method
andor
graphite
fibers
avoids
costs
associated
conventional
carbonization
processes
utilizing
connection
electromagnetic
radiation
produce
partially
stabilized
precursors
placed
slight
tension
oxygen-free
atmosphere
carbonized
power
input
increased
progress
towards
final
product
additional
step
surface
treated
oxygen-plasma
treatment
enhance
adhesion
matrix
materials
electromagnetic radiation
carbon fiber
power input
graphite fiber
/423/204/