TOKYO , May 9, 2022 (press release) –
Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. (Tokyo: 4183; President & CEO: HASHIMOTO Osamu) and Microwave Chemical Co. Ltd. (Suita, Osaka; CEO: YOSHINO Iwao) have established an innovative Eco-Friendly Carbon Fiber (CF) manufacturing basic technology using microwaves.
This is an innovative CF manufacturing basic technology based on using microwaves to heat the fibers, both during the oxidation process – the most energy-intensive part of CF production – and also during the subsequent carbonization process. As well as employing more compact equipment, the new technology cuts energy consumption by approximately 50 percent and offers a substantial reduction in processing time compared with the conventional method.While using renewable energy would yield a reduction in CO2 emissions. In order to further advance the technical verification, we will also consider the introduction of demonstration equipment.
Pursuing decarbonization throughout the value chain via life cycle assessments (LCAs), both Mitsui Chemicals and Microwave Chemical intend to continue meeting the need to promote carbon neutrality in the industries where CF will be applied in the future, such as the mobility sector.
* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistribute or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.