Carbon fiber manufacturing via plasma technology
US6372192B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD01F9/16
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.