Novel Honeycomb Hollow Carbon Fiber Composite

The current commercial polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based carbon fibers such as IM7 and T300 are limited in modulus at 155 and 130 N/tex respectively. In addition, these fibers are high density (1.75 – 1.93 g/cc) and are known to exhibit buckling behavior under compression stress. If these shortcomings are overcome, a number of new applications within DOD as well as civilian markets can be enabled.  Technology Holding LLC (THL) in partnership with Georgia Institute of Technology (GT) proposes to develop a composite based on novel honeycomb hollow carbon fiber (HHCF). The prior work constituted developing the overall method to produce HHCF with a density of 0.9-1.2 g/cc and measured modulus of 209 N/tex, which is 60% higher than T300 without reducing the strength. In addition, a composite coupon with epoxy 977-3 has been fabricated. The phase I feasibility study will focus on two specific objectives; 1. Validate the product-market fit for DOD as well as additional civilian applications and 2. Perform detailed characterization of the coupon to arrive at a set of properties suitable for the prospective product-market fit.