US' 4M Carbon Fiber unveils $4.5 mn plasma oxidation line project

This milestone project showcases 4M's patented plasma oxidation technology, designed to triple production throughput, cut oxidation energy usage by 75 per cent, and reduce capital costs by 50 per cent and operating costs by 30 per cent, positioning it as a potential game-changer in the carbon fibre industry.

The qualification line aims to prove the scalability of 4M’s advanced technology, enabling the company to produce material for extensive qualification projects, a critical step towards securing licensing agreements and equipment sales.

The project has already secured initial funding, marking strong industry confidence in the new technology. The line will also support collaborative development efforts with domestic oil companies and other partners interested in setting up their own carbon fibre production using 4M’s innovative approach.

Numerous leading carbon fibre manufacturers and emerging players have already shown significant interest in 4M’s technology, anticipating its readiness for qualification and licensing once it proves successful at this production scale, the company said in a press release.

“We are thrilled to launch this 50-ton qualification line project, which represents a significant milestone in our journey to transform the carbon fibre industry, this project is an essential step in getting our technology to a commercial scale, and also opens the door for expanded partnerships with key players across various sectors. Our goal is to make carbon fibre more accessible and cost-effective, and this line will allow us to demonstrate the full potential of our revolutionary process to prospective customers and partners,” said Dr. Truman Bonds, CTO of 4M Carbon Fiber.

“This investment in our qualification line is about more than just expanding production capacity; it’s about setting a new standard for the carbon fibre industry,” added Bonds. “Our plasma oxidation technology has the potential to disrupt traditional manufacturing methods, offering not only cost savings but also superior carbon fibre properties. We are excited to work with our partners to bring these benefits to market.”

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)