F.I.B.R.E.
Functional Interface for Bio-based Reinforcement Engineering
Carbon Fiber Precursor Sizing
Problem Statement
Carbon fiber production starts with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor fiber, which requires surface sizing agents for processability and matrix adhesion. Current sizing uses epoxy-based formulations that are not recyclable and create interface problems in composite recycling. PAN is 95% of the carbon fiber precursor market. A food-grade, bio-based sizing that improves fiber-matrix adhesion while enabling end-of-life recyclability would be valuable in automotive lightweighting, aerospace, and wind energy.
Market Size
$4.7B global carbon fiber market (growing 10% CAGR); sizing is ~5% of fiber cost = $235M
Regulatory Drivers
EU End-of-Life Vehicles Directive (2000/53/EC) mandates 95% recyclability. EU Waste Framework Directive requires composite waste hierarchy. REACH restrictions on bisphenol-based epoxy sizing chemistry.
Enterprise Interest
No enterprise interest recorded yet. Companies can indicate their volume and urgency to help guide research priorities.
Success Criteria
Interfacial shear strength ≥85% of epoxy-sized control. Sizing pickup uniformity within ±10%. Thermal stability (TGA) to 250°C. Selective sizing removal demonstrated under mild acid conditions for fiber recovery.
Equipment Needed
PAN precursor fiber tow, single fiber tensile tester, microdrop composite interfacial shear tester, XPS (collaborator access), TGA, SEM, sizing application bath, forced-air oven
Existing References
Reference list will be published with protocols.
Protected Research Content
This section contains detailed protocols, proposed mechanisms, experiment designs, and safety information.
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