Licensing Opportunity: Apparatus and Method for Microwave Carbonization of Polymeric Materials for Carbon Fiber Production
Closed Special Notice Posted
- Solicitation number
- 2024-09-11_C
- Agency
-
Department of Energy
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- Place of performance
- Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
This Special Notice is from the Department of Energy and describes a licensing opportunity for an apparatus and method for microwave carbonization of polymeric materials for carbon fiber production. The technology uses electromagnetic energy and a susceptor system with a resonant cavity to enable a smaller, more efficient carbon fiber manufacturing process compared to conventional high-temperature furnace methods.
The purpose of this Special Notice is to seek potential licensees for this patented technology. Key details include an October 26, 2024 due date for interested parties to contact the agency, and that there are no set-aside requirements for this opportunity. The technology is applicable to the carbon fiber manufacturing industry, and could provide benefits such as reduced processing time, energy savings, and a smaller production footprint. Parties interested in learning more are instructed to email or call the provided agency contact information.
Notice text
Invention Reference Number: 202405598
Carbon fiber is used in a wide range of manufacturing that utilize composite materials, from aerospace to golf clubs, as it has high strength and is lightweight. The process for manufacturing carbon fiber is complex and requires several stages. This technology is an apparatus and method for carbonizing the already oxidized polymeric fibers using near-field electromagnetic treatment with the help of a material used as a susceptor in a resonant cavity.
Description
Conventional high temperature carbonization processes are done in large, multi-zone furnaces, with high energy and high temperatures that require thick insulation. This technology is a new way to manufacture carbon fibers based on electromagnetic (EM) energy, a specifically designed applicator done by computer modeling, and a susceptor system with resonant cavity for high temperature. Similar to conventional manufacturing systems/carbonization, EM-based technology also requires subjecting material to high temperatures. This technology using EM energy allows for similar or higher temperatures than the conventional methods. In the low temperature carbonization stage, the energy is deposited directly into the fiber, but in the high temperature carbonization stage, a susceptor is required to absorb and immediately further transfer the energy into the processing material. This EM-based technology provides this advantage featuring a smaller footprint (compacted thermal zones), resulting in improved production methods.
Benefits
- Saves time and energy
- Reduces cost of processing and material (smaller residence time)
- Smaller footprint
- Saves maintenance costs
- Shorter processing times
- Reduces energy loss
Applications and Industries
- Carbon fiber manufacturing
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
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