PAN-based vs Pitch-based Carbon Fiber

Contents

Introduction
Overview
PAN-based Carbon Fiber
Pitch-based Carbon Fiber
Summary

Introduction

These days, jargon such as carbon fiber, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, CFRP, and composites appear in a myriad of situations. Here, we will discuss the differences between PAN-based and Pitch-based carbon fiber.

Overview

Carbon fiber is broadly classified into two types according to the base materials used for production. The carbon fiber itself cannot retain form on its own and, because of its high specific strength (strength-to-weight ratio), is often composited with a plastic polymer such as epoxy resin and used as a Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP).

PAN-based Carbon Fiber

PAN-based (poly-acrylonitrile) carbon fiber is produced from acrylonitrile via a process of PAN fiber synthesis, flame retardant treatment, carbonization, graphitization, surface treatment, and sizing. The lightweight and high-strength characteristics of PAN-based carbon fiber have led to its widespread use in structural components for automobiles, aircraft, and other applications. PAN-based carbon fiber accounts for most of the carbon fiber on the market.

Pitch-based Carbon Fiber

Pitch-based carbon fiber is produced from coal, petroleum, and coal tar by-products (pitch) through a series of carbonization, surface treatment, and sizing processes at high temperatures. It has a high modulus of elasticity, high thermal conductivity, extremely low thermal expansion, is lightweight, and highly rigid. Pitch-based carbon is mainly used for industrial robot arms, artificial satellite components, and other similar applications.

Summary

This issue details the differences between PAN-based and pitch-based carbon fiber, offering a clearer insight into varying properties and applications. While each exhibits differing characteristics, the manufacturing method for both types of carbon fiber will equally vary depending on the application, shape, and other factors.

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DMG森精機 - VS1000/40/2050
X軸：2,050mm（ストローク）／ Y軸：1,000mm ／ Z軸：600mm ／テーブル作業面：2,250×1,000mm

ASHIDA MFG Co., Ltd.
Autoclave Oven 2
Size : Ø1,150x1,000mm / Operating temperature : at normal temperature - 400℃ / Design pressure : 2.0Mpa (maximum working pressure) / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 5

ASHIDA MFG Co., Ltd.
Autoclave Oven 3
Size : Ø3,000x6,000mm / Operating temperature : at normal temperature - 200℃ / Distribution accuracy : ±2.5℃less / Heating rate : 4.0℃/min. (empty furnace) / Cooling rate : 4.0℃/min. (empty furnace) / Design pressure : 0.99Mpa (maximum working pressure) / Working pressure : 0.7Mpa less (if no specification from the manufacuturer 0.3Mpa around) / Pressure accuracy : ±0.02Mpa（for pressure setting of ０ - 0.99Mpa/cm²） / Boost pressure accuracy : 0 - 0.03Mpa/min / Pressure source : compressed air (regular use) / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 10

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Oven
Size : W1,000xH1,000xD1,000mm / Temperature range : Environmental Temperature +20 - 300℃ / Temperature elevation capability : Environmental Temperature (20 - 40℃) - 300℃ / 45min less / Vacuum system : back suction system / Vacuum units : 10

ESPEC CORP.
Temperature & Humidity Chamber

INSTRON
Static Universal Testing Machine 5985

Oven
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NEO
X axis : 4,000mm (stroke) / Y axis : 2,000mm / Z axis : 1,200mm / C axis : 0° - ±270° / B axis : 0° - ±110° / Table working place : 4,000x2,000mm

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Painting booth
Various painting, and clear finish is done in dedicated painting booth

Adhesion, Finishing, Coating Room
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Toshiba Matrixeye EX (Ultrasonic flaw detector)
Matrix-Arrey : 32

AMETEK CREAFORM Metra
SCAN750 Elite (3D scan)

Olympus Corp.
Inverted Microscopes

Oven
Size : W450xH450xD450mm / Temperature range : Environmental Temperature +20 - 650℃ / Temperature elevation capability : Environmental Temperature+50 - 650℃/120min less

Cutting Plotter Table working place : W1,500xL3,500mm

SHIMA SEIKI MFG., LTD
Cutting Plotter

KUKA
Robot

Krauss Maffei
Epoxy resin injection machine Resin 60L ／ Hardener 25L

Krauss Maffei
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