Physicochemical Properties of Carbon Fiber Formulated from Melt-Spun Raw Asphaltene

One of the challenges in carbon fiber production centers around the high cost of raw materials required for fiber precursors or complex production processes involving multiple steps. This research paper delves into the utilization of asphaltene sourced from Alberta oil sands as an alternative precursor material that is low cost for carbon fiber production. We investigated the carbon fiber production process using a blend of different asphaltene types via melt-spinning technology. Carbon fibers produced from asphaltene-based precursors exhibit an average diameter of 12.66 ± 3.06 μm, an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 524.07 ± 218.53 MPa, an elastic modulus of 34.68 ± 15.61 GPa, and a strain at the UTS of 2.48 ± 0.97%. The results validate the viability of asphaltene as a precursor fiber and highlight the potential of carbon fibers.