BioCarb-AN & BioCarb-Fib
BioCarb-AN and BioCarb-Fib focus on the synthesis of bio-based acrylonitrile and the production of bio-based carbon fibers using multipurpose demonstration facilities.
Project details
Duration
Start: November 2024
End: October 2025
Project Initiator/Sponsor
Project Partners
Goals
Can Acrylonitrile and Carbon Fibers Have a Biobased Future?
This question is at the heart of two innovative projects we’re proud to support: BioCarb-AN and BioCarb-Fib. Fraunhofer IAPT, Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, and Fraunhofer-Zentrum für Chemisch-Biotechnologische Prozesse CBP aim to establish a biobased value chain for acrylonitrile (AN) and carbon fibers.
BioCarb-AN: This project explores a sustainable production route for acrylonitrile, a key component for various high-performance materials. By using glycerol as the starting material, a byproduct from bio-diesel production, the process reduces reliance on fossil-based feedstocks and integrates sustainability into chemical production.
BioCarb-Fib: Building on BioCarb-AN, this project takes biobased acrylonitrile and incorporates it into the production of carbon fibers. With enhancements to existing facilities and advanced technologies in polymerization, spinning, and fiber treatment, the project aims at carbon fibers that meet industry demands while lowering their environmental impact.
The results of the research are not only relevant for the high-tech carbon fiber market but also for other industries such as the production of PAN copolymers and textile fibers – a global market with enormous potential.
Approach
As both projects are at a very early stage of research and development, most of the data is assessed based on engineering assumptions and state-of-the art estimation methods for the chemical industry. Upscaling and future developments are reflected by applying a variety of assumptions and scenarios. Based on our assessments, we aim to provide feasible insights into current hot-spots and thus guide further technological development and feedstock decisions.
