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Clearing the way for renewable carbon fiber production
Washington University engineers developed a carbon fiber manufacturing method that replaces half of costly petroleum based PAN with lignin, a plentiful industrial waste product. The approach could cut
By Leah Shaffer · 2026-09-20T09:50:06.290Z
Washington University engineers developed a carbon fiber manufacturing method that replaces half of costly petroleum based PAN with lignin, a plentiful industrial waste product. The approach could cut production costs by 25% and substantially reduce emissions while meeting automotive strength standards. Carbon nanotubes further improve performance, with potential benefits for vehicles, aircraft and energy infrastructure.
Read the full article here https://source.washu.edu/2026/09/clearing the way for renewable carbon fiber production/