How is our approach different?
Precise Macromolecular Architecture is the Key
Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is the go-to precursor to make carbon fibers. In fact, over 90% of carbon fiber used today is made from PAN. Yet, commercially available PAN is low-to-moderate in molecular weight, consists of a highly disperse mixture of polymer chains, and lacks a well-oriented architecture (i.e., not stereo-defined), all of which affects how the polymers pack in the spun fiber and the extent of graphitization after thermal processing. This lack of control is why nearly all high modulus carbon fibers are derived from pitch (typically sourced from coal).
Our proprietary iPAN polymers are made in a completely different way than traditional polymerization methods that are used to make PAN today. Through a patent-pending chemical process, we have demonstrated that it is possible to produce iPAN copolymers that are simultaneously high molecular weight, narrowly dispersed, and highly stereo-defined. Initial studies comparing carbon fiber prototypes manufactured by wet-spinning and thermal processing revealed PCT's proprietary iPAN copolymers dramatically out-performed prototypes made from commercial PAN (6x tensile strength; 4x tensile modulus). We are excited to scale this new iPAN technology to make high-performance carbon fibers that are simultaneously stiff and strong. Pilot studies will demonstrate superior overall properties and performance of our proprietary carbon fibers.
