CX-100891 Precursor Processing Development for Low Cost, High Strength Carbon Fiber for Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel Applications

Precursor Processing Development for Low Cost, High Strength Carbon Fiber for Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessel Applications
Award Number: DE-EE0008095
CX(s) Applied: A9, B3.6
Fuel Cells Technologies Office
Location(s): KY
Office(s): Golden Field Office

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide federal funding to the University of Kentucky Research Foundation for the engineering of a high performance carbon fiber made with lower cost precursor materials to be used in onboard hydrogen storage vessels with compressed hydrogen. All project activities would take place at the University of Kentucky’s Center for Applied Energy Research in Lexington, Kentucky.

Proposed project activities include the solution processing of solid and hollow fibers, their thermal conversion to carbon fibers, their characterization and comparison of properties against the industry standard, and final cost analysis. Additional work would include the design, development, fabrication, and testing of an energy efficient solvent recovery and water use system. All activities would take place in existing facilities designed for this type of research; therefore no modifications, new permits, additional licenses and/or authorizations would be necessary. No ground disturbing activities, no changes in operation of existing facilities, and no installation of equipment outdoors would occur at facilities involved in the project. Project work would involve the use and handling of various hazardous materials, including solvents. All such handling would occur in lab where there are proper hazardous material handling and disposal procedures in place. To mitigate risk, all workers would be properly trained in the handling of these materials and utilize personal protective equipment and engineering controls to prevent exposure. All hazardous materials would be managed in accordance with federal, state and local environmental regulations. Non-hazardous wastes, such as polymer and carbon fibers, could be disposed of in a landfill or stored as samples. DOE does not anticipate any impacts to resources of concern due to the proposed activities of the project.