New carbon-fiber production method saves energy, slashes costs
By TOMOYUKI IZAWA/ Staff Writer
A research team has developed a carbon-fiber manufacturing method that uses half the energy consumed in the current process and could increase maximum output of the strong but lightweight material tenfold.
The new process was announced on Jan. 14 by New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), which worked with the University of Tokyo, Toray Industries Inc., Teijin Ltd. and others in the development.
The production process of carbon fiber has remained nearly unchanged since 1959, when the current method was conceived by Japanese researchers.
Carbon fiber is now considered indispensable for reducing the weight of aircraft and automobiles.
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http://ajw.asahi.com/article/business/AJ201601150060
