Lignin’s carbon dense aromatic structure, potential abundance, and unique ability to behave as a thermoplastic/thermoset polymer has intrigued scientist and engineers for decades as a potential low cost and environmentally friendly replacement for polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based carbon fibers. However, the heterogeneous amorphous structure and difficulty isolating it in high purity from woody feedstocks makes processing into high quality fibers difficult. In this presentation, we will discuss our experience melt processing multiple lignin feedstocks from organosolv, kraft, and other fractionation technologies. Additionally, we will present our model discussing the assembly of lignin molecules into polymer fibers derived NMR, thermal analysis, and neutron scattering data. We will contrast the structure and properties of lignin based carbon fibers derived from melt extrusion with commercial PAN fibers and fibers produced by other means. Further, we will provide insight for using lignin based carbon fibers in additive manufacturing, thermal management, and other potential nonstructural applications.<br/>

Melt extrusion of lignin carbon-fiber precursors: The path forward for low-cost fibers or unrealizable dream?

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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