MORE | Fall 2019

Fabrication of High-performance Carbon Fibers

Mechanical properties of carbon fibers are dependent on the continuity, density and interfacial action of the hierarchical graphitic structures. The presence of voids formed during crystallization due to the random dispersion of reinforcement/nanofiller in pre-carbon fibers (pCFs) deteriorates these properties. In this project, a specialized templating graphene channel will be developed via a spinneret designed in house. This channel runs in the axial direction of the fiber and concentrically to the outer and inner polyacrylonitrile channels. This allows for crystallization along the axial direction and minimizes the formation of voids leading to enhanced mechanical properties.