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Project title

Next generation lignin-based carbon fibres: Diagnostic and recyclability of sustainably based composites materials

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Lead Organisation

University of Limerick

Lead Applicant

Not listed

Project Abstract

The high demand for low weight, high performance materials to reduce energy consumption across industrial sectors has exacerbated the need for carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) materials. CFRPs have unique mechanical properties that make them attractive for various applications in the aeronautical, automotive, construction and high end sports/leisure activities. However, the use of these materials comes at high cost in terms of the environment, economic cost, recyclability, damage control leading to expensive maintenance and overall carbon footprint associated with energy intensive processing. The current manufacture of carbon fibre (CF) is based on the utilisation of a non-renewable fossil-based precursor polymer, polyacrylonitrile (PAN). With the impending climate disaster, there is an urgent need to provide a sustainable precursor material as an alternative to PAN for the processing of CF. Lignin, an underutilised by-product from the paper and pulp industry, is a standout biopolymer within biomass waste streams, with its high availability and its unique structure, rendering it an ideal candidate for CF production. However, its poor mechanical properties when used to produce CF hinders its valorisation as an industrial solution for CF production. This proposal aims to build on recent achievements at Limerick, to develop next generation lignin-based CF with beyond the state-of-the-art mechanical properties via the utilisation of novel formulations using 2D structures as vectors for highly ordered carbon structures which will allow low energy processing, recyclability and exploitation of the piezoelectric effect for non-destructive health monitoring (NDHM) of damage accumulation of CF whilst in operation and embodied in a CFRP structure. Recycled CF will be utilised as a high value carbon anode material for supercapacitance applications. Therefore, this proposal will provide a novel solution for the production, use and repurposing of sustainable CF for a circular economy.

Grant Approved

�105,604.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

3. Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/09/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2023