Plasma Oxidation is a proven technology. Compared to conventional oxidation, plasma oxidation: Makes a better product through more reactive plasma chemistry. Is 3 times as fast. Uses 75% less energy per pound of fiber. Takes up significantly less space (1/3 size). Reduces carbon fiber manufacturing cost by at least 20%.

2.  Plasma Oxidation is a proven technology. Compared to conventional oxidation, plasma oxidation:
 Makes a better product through more reactive plasma chemistry
 Is 3 times as fast
 Uses 75% less energy per pound of fiber
 Takes up significantly less space (1/3 size)
 Reduces carbon fiber manufacturing cost by at least 20%
2016 – 1 aMT Plasma Oxidation Oven
2

3.  Plasma generates a highly reactive
gas from air that accelerates the
oxidation and stabilization process.
 This drastically lowers oxidation time
and energy requirement.
 Lower oxidation times provides
many advantages.

4.  Plasma generates a highly reactive gas from air that accelerates the oxidation and
stabilization process.
 This drastically lowers oxidation time and energy requirement.
 Faster oxidation time provides many advantages (next slide).
Plasma Oxidation
How Does It Work?
Click here for a video demonstration with one client’s large tow:
https://youtu.be/McJy844rsqg

5. Client Oxidation Rate
Increase
Carbon Fiber
Properties
Precursor Type
Client 1 2.7X Comparable Commodity-PAN
Client 2 3X Comparable Commodity-PAN
Client 3 5X Comparable Lignin
Client 4* 1X Better Aerospace-PAN
Client 5* 2.5X OPF-Comparable Textile-PAN
Client 6* 1X Comparable Aerospace-PAN
Client 7 Scheduling trials now Commodity-PAN
*Preliminary trials only – more work required to determine optimal results

6. Only Client 1’s fiber property results can be shared publically. The remainder are
under nondisclosure agreements.
This work was with BlueStar 24k and 48k precursor.
This work was performed during the development stage and does not reflect optimal
performance of the technology.
Tow configurations:
 2 x 24k
 3 x 24k
 4 x 24k
 4 x 48k
A recent independent study1 showed an increase of 30% in carbon fiber tensile
strength using plasma over conventional oxidation.
1Lee, et al. Efficient preparation of carbon fibers using plasma assisted stabilization. Carbon, 55, 361 (2013).

7. *Estimated using scaling law. Typical consumption is 17-26 kWh/kg OPF.
Oxidation
Rate Increase
Density (g/cc) Unit Energy Consumption
(kWh/kg OPF)
Precursor
1 aMT 175 aMT* 1500 aMT*
2.7X 1.36 44.8 6.1 2.7 2 x 24k
2.7X 1.37 33.5 4.6 2.0 3 x 24k
2.7X 1.37 27.0 3.7 1.6 4 x 24k

8. *Estimated using scaling law. Typical consumption is 17-26 kWh/kg OPF.
Further information cannot be shared.
Oxidation
Rate Increase
Density (g/cc) Unit Energy Consumption
(kWh/kg OPF)
Precursor
1 t/y 175 t/y* 1500 t/y*
2.3X 1.44 10.7 1.5 0.6 ~300k
3X 1.36 15.2 2.1 0.9 ~150k
3X 1.38 12.3 1.7 0.7 ~300k

9. Oven Shell, Airflow, Conventional Heat
Inside
Inside
Plasma Equipment and Control System

10. Inside
Inside
Inside
Inside
Inside
Inside
Oven Shell, Airflow, Conventional Heat
Plasma Equipment and Control System

11. Plasma Oxidation Oven
Conventional Oven
Significant Reduction in Footprint
Top View

12. Special thanks to Izumi International for additional equipment renderings.