Stronger, Lighter, Cheaper: Improving Carbon Fiber Production with Low-Value Refinery Residues
(Photo: KAUST)
April 2, 2025 – Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST, Saudi Arabia) have developed a method to manufacture high-performance carbon fibres from low-value refinery residues. The advanced carbon fibre materials could be used in applications ranging from wind turbine blades to biomedical implants, KAUST says, after developing a low-cost carbon fibre feedstock.
The carbon fibres were spun from blends of the low-value heavy oil left over from refining crude oil. The research could not only advance the broader application of carbon fibers, KAUST says, but also provide new, more sustainable uses for residual oil.
The research was published in early April in the journal Fuel under the title ‘On the effect of resins in asphaltenes-based carbon fibres.’ Doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2024.134154
