Process

High quality polyacrylonitrile (PAN), engineered specifically for carbon fiber production, is the precursor fiber.

The PAN precursor is stretched and tensioned to optimize molecular and structural orientation.

On-line quality control of the PAN precursor ensures process continuity and efficiency.

The precursor is exposed to heated air to turn it into oxidized polyacrylonitrile fiber, or OPF, which has excellent heat and flame resistant properties.

The OPF is carbonized into carbon fiber by exposing it to progressively higher temperatures in a nitrogen-filled chamber.

The carbon fiber receives final carbonization at more than 1,000 degrees C to establish strength, stiffness, electrical, and other properties.

The carbon fiber is surface-treated or etched to create a surface which will bond effectively.

Polymer coating (sizing) is applied to promote fiber-handling characteristics, wet-out and bonding.

Continuous fiber is wound onto spools for direct sale to prepreggers, weavers, filament winders, and pultruders. The fiber can also be chopped, milled, or pelletized.