Spinning PAN and lignin together to produce carbon fiber for cars,planes

Researchers in Washington State University, led by Birgitte Ahring, Ph.D., has reported that they have produced an automobile-grade carbon fiber containing 20 to 30 percent lignin. Currently carbon fiber found in cars and planes are made from polyarylonitrile (PAN), an expensive and nonrenewable polymer. The researches aimed to produce low cost carbon fiber that can be used in automobiles and aircrafts by combining the strength of PAN with lignin. The researchers have presented their work at the at the 254^th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS). Next steps include testing the strength of the fibers in an automobile manufacturing plant. Continue to original source…