ABSTRACT
The first public information on production of carbon fibers is due to Edison on the conversion of cellulosic fibers for use in electric lamps. However, as rayon cloth continues to be converted into a carbon fiber cloth for use in two-dimensional composites, some details on the processing of fabrics will be presented. Continuous filament viscose rayon can be converted into high strength, high modulus carbon fibers by an expensive process involving three separate steps: stabilization, carbonization, and high temperature heat treatment under high strain conditions. Conversion of Rayon Cloth to Carbon Cloth Continuous filament carbon fibers based on rayon are no longer produced in the United States because of the environmental disposal problems in producing viscose rayon and the expense of stabilization and high temperature heat treatment under high tension. The production of rayon-based carbon fibers will probably cease when older missile and space systems are replaced by new design specifications.
