Carbon Fibers Precursors from Lignin and Cellulose Acetate via Melt‐Spinning

Abstract The work describes the preparation of bio‐based precursor carbon fibers (CFs) by a solvent‐free process. Fibers from lignin, cellulose acetate, and triacetin as plasticizer are successfully obtained by melt‐spinning showing a potential alternative to traditional precursor fibers from petroleum produced by wet‐spinning. Thermal, morphological, and structural properties of precursor fibers are studied. In particular, precursor fibers present glass transition temperatures lower than neat polymers, indicating the feasibility of using melt‐spinning due to an enhanced softening. Two stabilization thermal treatments with fast or slow heating are adopted to prepare the precursor fibers for carbonization. The CF yield achieves 32% for the materials at high lignin content.