Feasibility study - lignin based carbon fiber composite

Important results from the project

The goal was to construct a composite material based on lignin carbon fibres. By using lignin to produce carbon fibres instead of fossil based, a more cost efficient and sustainable product was achieved. The lignin carbon fibre composite constructed in the project was used to replace the roof component of a radio controlled car. We believe that the concept we demonstrated provides a platform for further development and applications

Expected long term effects

A lignin based carbon fibre demonstrator was constructed. The demonstrator was a composite material used to the replace the existing roof component of a radio controlled car. The final component was seamlessly integrated into the car and we are looking forward to showing the demonstrator to media and customers in the near future. Further to this, new processes and techniques were developed for converting lignin into a structural material, and these will be used in future projects and applications

Approach and implementation

The project was completed through the cooperation of Innventia, Swerea SICOMP and Blatraden. Innventia produced a high purity lignin which was melt-spun and converted to carbon fibre. The carbon fibres were woven into fabric by Swerea SICOMP, who also dissembled the radio controlled car to make a mold of the roof. The fabric was put in the mold and infused with epoxy resin to produce the composite demonstrator. Blåtraden supported the project as an advisor for composite development and molding.