Licensing Opportunity: Apparatus and Method for Microwave Carbonization of Polymeric Materials for Carbon Fiber Production

Invention Reference Number: 202405598 Carbon fiber is used in a wide range of manufacturing that utilize composite materials, from aerospace to golf clubs, as it has high strength and is lightweight. The process for manufacturing carbon fiber is complex and requires several stages. This technology is an apparatus and method for carbonizing the already oxidized polymeric fibers using near-field electromagnetic treatment with the help of a material used as a susceptor in a resonant cavity.

Description Conventional high temperature carbonization processes are done in large, multi-zone furnaces, with high energy and high temperatures that require thick insulation. This technology is a new way to manufacture carbon fibers based on electromagnetic (EM) energy, a specifically designed applicator done by computer modeling, and a susceptor system with resonant cavity for high temperature.

Similar to conventional manufacturing systems/carbonization, EM-based technology also requires subjecting material to high temperatures. This technology using EM energy allows for similar or higher temperatures than the conventional methods. In the low temperature carbonization stage, the energy is deposited directly into the fiber, but in the high temperature carbonization stage, a susceptor is required to absorb and immediately further transfer the energy into the processing material.

This EM-based technology provides this advantage featuring a smaller footprint (compacted thermal zones), resulting in improved production methods. Benefits Saves time and energy Reduces cost of processing and material (smaller residence time) Smaller footprint Saves maintenance costs Shorter processing times Reduces energy loss Applications and Industries Carbon fiber manufacturing Contact To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.