Conversion:

Atmospheric Pressure Plasma

Technology Summary

ORNL technology focuses on ways to produce lower cost carbon fiber precursors by conversion techniques using inexpensive precursors. This technology includes:

• Plasma and electromagnetic technology
• Stabilization or oxidation of polymeric materials in a controlled ozone environment
• Radiation processing

Advantages

ORNL's combined microwave and low-pressure plasma processing technologies save time and energy. Preliminary estimates suggest that ORNL's process reduces oxidation energy cost by one-half and residence time to one-third of the current state of the art. 

Patents and Intellectual Property

Apparatus and method for oxidation and stabilization of polymeric materials, U.S. Patent 7,786,253, issued May 14, 2009, Felix Paulauskas, Terry White, Daniel Sherman.

• Patent 7,786,256 (UTB ID 1494) describes a process for preparing polymer fibers for carbonization through exposure to plasma-derived oxidative species in a chamber at selected temperature and atmosphere.

Apparatus and method for oxidation and stabilization of polymeric materials, U.S. Patent 7,534,854, issued May 19, 2009, Felix Paulauskas, Terry White, Daniel Sherman.

• Patent 7,534,854 (UTB ID 1494) describes a process for preparing polymer fibers for carbonization through exposure to plasma-derived oxidative species in a chamber at selected temperature and atmosphere.

Apparatus and method for stabilization or oxidation of polymeric materials, U.S. Patent 7,649,078, issued January 19, 2010, Felix Paulauskas, Daniel Sherman.

• Patent 7,649,078 (UTB ID 1651) describes stabilization or oxidation of polymeric materials in a controlled ozone environment.

Other Patents Pending:

• Extremely Flame Retardant Material from PAN fibers via advanced oxidation (UTB ID 2241) describes a process of producing an extremely flame retardant material from PAN fibers using a plasma stabilization process.

Other Intellectual Property:

• Rapid stabilization of carbon fiber precursors (UTB ID 1609) provides background expertise in the rapid stabilization of carbon fibers using radiation processing.  

Licensing Contact

Alex DeTrana
Technology Commercialization Manager
UT-Battelle, LLC
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Office Phone: 865-576-9682
E-mail: detranaag@ornl.gov