ABSTRACT
This paper reviews the potential for production of low-cost carbon fiber (CF) from gas liquids in large scale comparable to other tensile structural materials such as steel and aluminum. Comparisons are made between the production of CFs from the most widely used polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor and low-cost precursors such as polyethylene (PE), that can be produced from gas liquids, particularly ethane and propane. The challenges, viability, and energy intensity of the use of PE precursor are discussed. The production of carbon materials such as structural fiber from gas hydrocarbons may open up large markets for higher-value use of carbon than energy generation from combustion. By thus avoiding the emissions of carbon dioxide the world may transition to a future ‘carbon-hydrogen’ economy.
