Methodology

This methodology, “from monomers to copolymers”, targets higher homogeneity of the resulting fibers and enhanced mechanical properties than those achieved from physical blends of lignin (polymeric) and PAN, bypassing the issues that have prevented the state-of-the-art technologies of being industrially implemented.

The BioCFiber project has a deep focus on innovation driving in what regards the lignin macromolecules functionalization and copolymerization methods with the bio-AN monomer. Advanced radical copolymerization strategies will be explored and implemented, which are the main scientific challenges and disruptive advances to the state of the art of the project. The resulting new technology platform has in mind industrially attractive and environmentally friendly pathways for lignin valorization, as well as green and cost-effective bio-derived CFs.
To address the typical gap between fundamental research and industrial product development, SGL Composites SA, a major producer of CFs precursors, is engaged and committed to participate in the BioCFiber project, bringing extensive experience and international leadership for the development of the CFs precursors. The consortium has unique competence through the complete value chain to execute the project. However, to minimize any possible risk regarding radical copolymerization and scale up, we count with a further expert on this topic, Prof. Jorge F. Coelho, as consultant. Of relevance, there is also the collaboration with RAIZ/The Navigator Company concerning the supply of large amounts of lignin fractions for the execution of the project, including the scale-up trials and potential future collaboration with IST and SGL Composites. The economic viability of the overall process as well as sustainability through LCA will be evaluated.