LIBRE

• Use lignin rich side streams in order to develop a more resource-efficient and sustainable carbon fibre (CF) production, based on biopolymers for precursor fibre (PF) production and energy efficient processing technologies for conversion of PF to CF which will have performance levels matching or improving current industrial standards.
• Replace polyacrylonitrile (PAN) PF with a PF made from sustainable bio-sources, specifically lignin (a waste product of the papermaking industry), blended with biopolymers.
• Develop an innovative lower energy conversion process of PF to CF than that currently used by industry, which uses ovens and furnaces, by utilising microwave/radio frequency (MW/RF) technologies, in conjunction with novel non-metallic MW/RF subsectors incorporated into the PF.
• Replace both the wet electrolytic process currently used by industry to modify CF surface chemistry, which plays a key role in determining composite properties, and the aqueous sizing process which enables fibre handling by mechanical processes, with a single robust, low energy and pollution-free atmospheric pressure plasma process.
• Incorporate novel ideas into the physical and chemical modification of lignin such that composites based on this waste stream precursor material will have properties and processability which are tailored for the needs of CF production.

• Development of new bio-based composite materials utilising lignin from the pulp and paper industry blended with biopolymers as a precursor.
• Reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions during the manufacturing process through the use of microwave and radio frequency (MW/RF) heating technologies.
• Surface functionalisation using non-aqueous processes to enhance performance in polymer composites.
• Increased sustainability of composite materials.
• A competitive edge for end-user sectors such as transportation, renewable energy and construction.

LIBRE - Lignin Based Carbon Fibres for Composites