Generating Bitumen Derived Carbon Fibre Precursors

InnoTech Alberta has collaborated with Alberta Innovates' Carbon Fibre Grand Challenge (CFGC) to develop carbon fibres (CF) from bitumen-derived feedstocks, focusing on asphaltenes. This project builds on prior research to refine CF production, creating 16 samples for testing at InnoTech Alberta and Deutsche Institute für Textil und Faserforschung Denkendorf (DITF).

Project at a Glance

Funding Recipient: InnoTech Alberta
Website: Visit their website
Funding Awarded: $672,800
Project Duration: Mar 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2027
Sector: Clean Technology, Energy, Environment
Program: Bitumen Advanced Materials (BAM)

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Project description:

This project focuses on developing mesophase precursors from bitumen-derived feedstocks to produce cost-effective general-purpose carbon CF. By lowering production costs, these CFs can establish a niche in automotive and energy markets, offering new opportunities while replacing PAN-based fibers in select applications. The successful implementation of this technology could enhance the economic viability of CF production, expand its use in industrial applications, and contribute to the broader adoption of lightweight, high-performance materials.