Future Perspectives on Carbon Fibers and Their Composites

Dear Colleagues,

Lightweight materials are essential for all types of mobility and engineering constructions. During use, they significantly enable the reduction of CO₂ emissions. However, the use of carbon fibers as reinforcement materials requires intense energy for their generation. Therefore, for future applications, the CO₂ reduction potential is essential. As a consequence, we need to focus and understand the reduction potentials of carbon fiber processing as well as the savings made during their use as reinforcement materials.

The present Special Issue, therefore, focuses on alternative, renewable raw materials as precursor materials for carbon fiber processing. The latest scientific directions especially prescribe the use of alternative raw materials, i.e., lignin/cellulose compositions. Energy efficient process technologies such as low pressure stabilization for the conversion to carbon fibers demonstrate a unique contribution to CO₂ equivalents for all types of precursors. Especially with regard to current discussions on the significant weight increase for electric cars due to battery load, such contributions open up new possibilities for future applications, such as hybrid materials. Additionally, the use of hydrogen as a future energy source for electric cars and energy generation, as well as for storage potential in aviation and cars, requires the application of carbon fibers with unique properties in composites. The aviation and space markets are typical current markets and will further demonstrate its potential, especially in satellite applications. Composites with silicon carbide as the matrix will enable a significant reduction in the fine dust from brakes and, in addition, with a longer lifetime and reduced weight, will contribute to energy reduction during the use phase. Furthermore, the reinforcement of concrete finally demonstrates the unique potential for a reduction of CO₂ by replacing steel already in use, which has significant advantages due to its non-corrosion attribute. This Special Issue will, therefore, focus especially on future raw materials, technologies, and markets contributing to overall significant CO₂ reductions.

Prof. Dr. Hubert Jäger
Guest Editor

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