A global stride to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions has led to a steep increase in the use of carbon fibre composites. The outstanding weight-to-strength ratio of carbon fibres (CFs) allows for the production of high-performance lightweight composite material as substitute for heavy metal structural parts. However, the prevailing high costs of PAN-derived CFs prevent their widespread use in high-volume applications. Cellulose and lignin have both been considered as raw material for CF-production since the early days of CF research. Inferior mechanical properties of the first generation bio-based CFs led to the discontinuation of attempts to use bio-based precursor materials.<br/>Driven by the emergence of new technologies and a better understanding of biomass processing, research on bio-based carbon fibers has experienced a renaissance during the past decade. Most studies have focused on either cellulose or lignin.<br/>Herein, we report on the preparation of cellulose and lignin hybrid fibers and their potential as CF precursor. It was found that the bi-component matrix shows an altered stabilization and carbonization behavior, resulting in a higher carbon yield and better mechanical properties. The pyrolysis mechanism was studied through thermogravimetric analyses coupled with FTIR spectroscopic analyses of the gas phase and revealed synergistic effects. The filaments were then carbonized both in a stationary and continuous manner and the resulting properties were assessed.

Carbon fibers made from cellulose-lignin hybrid filaments

255th National Meeting (2018)

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