Formation of Low-Temperature-Carbonized Fibers by Chemically Activated Atmospheric Pressure Carbonization
Low-temperature-carbonized (LTC) fibers are produced through a process called Atmospheric Pressure Carbonization (APC). APC is an industrial process used for the conversion of coal, wood, and other materials into charcoal. The process involves heating the material at low temperatures, using chemical activation. In APC, the chemical activation agent is carbon dioxide (CO2), which is present in the atmosphere.
The APC process begins with the introduction of CO2 into the mixture. The CO2 reacts with the material’s organic compounds, producing a chemical reaction. This reaction causes the release of energy in the form of heat, which raises the temperature of the environment. The heat causes the material to become carbonized, forming new compounds in the process. As the temperature rises, the new compounds become less stable and break down into gaseous molecules, creating a gas environment. This gas environment forms a char layer on the material.
Once the char layer is formed, the material is removed from the furnace, cooled and then subjected to a mild chemical etching process. This removes the carbonized layer from the material, leaving a material, which is composed of amorphous carbon fibers. The size of the fibers produced is dependent upon the etchant used and the temperature of the furnace.
The etching process also improves the mechanical properties of the fibers produced. This is especially true when the etching process is applied to materials, which have already been carbonized. The physical properties of the carbon fibers, such as tensile strength and modulus of elasticity, are improved during the etching process.
The production of low-temperature-carbonized (LTC) fibers through the APC process is an economical and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional carbon fiber production. By using a chemical activation agent, such as CO2, rather than relying on the use of traditional high-temperature sources of energy, the process creates a much more economically sound production. The APC process also produces fibers with a significantly reduced processing cost, and the fiber produced is of consistent quality.
While the production of LTC fibers through the APC process has numerous advantages, there are also some limitations. The process is not typically suited for producing high performance fibers. The production costs are higher than traditional carbon fiber production, and the fibers produced are not as strong or as light as those produced through the traditional process. Additionally, the amount of impurities present in the fibers produced by the APC process can also be higher than in traditional carbon fiber production.
Despite the limitations of the APC process, the production of low-temperature-carbonized (LTC) fibers remains an economical and environmentally friendly option for the production of carbon fiber. By utilizing the atmospheric pressure of CO2, the process creates a cost effective alternative to traditional carbon fiber production, while still providing high quality fiber. The process also provides materials which have improved physical properties when compared to traditional carbon fiber production processes, making them ideal for a variety of uses.
