Carbon fibers (CF) uniquely combine high strength, stiffness, and
low density. This combination of properties makes them indispensable for lightweight construction, a key technology on the path to the desired
energy transition with greater climate neutrality and
resource efficiency. CFs are used particularly in the mobility sector, for example in
aerospace and automotive, where their use enables significant weight savings and thus reduces fuel consumption. Furthermore, CFs are also used in other end applications, including wind
turbine rotors,
hydrogen pressure tanks, sporting goods, and medical devices. Almost all CFs used in these applications are produced from
polyacrylonitrile copolymer (PAN)-based precursor fibers, which together account for a market share of 96 to 98%.However, CFs based on PAN precursors (ex-PAN CF) are
petroleum-based, cost- and CO2-intensive to produce, and generate large quantities of toxic substances such as
hydrogen cyanide during the conversion process. 7 20 wt.%). Therefore, bio-based alternatives based on natural resources such as
cellulose or CF produced from it (ex-
cellulose CF) are experiencing a renaissance, as they do not have the disadvantages listed for PAN, and in comparison, potentially enable a reduction in CO2 emissions as well as production costs.