Impact of processing on structure and properties of carbon fiber and effects on composite performance

Carbon fibers derived from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursors are finding ever expanded adoption into industrial applications such as transportation and energy as well as the typical aerospace composite venues. We describe the development of carbon structure as a function of conversion from polymeric precursor. The description of periodic structures using scattering techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) are interpreted in light of other data derived from techniques such as spectroscopy, porosimetry, and traditional chemical methods. The talk will aim to explain how certain properties important to composite performance are affected by process and the limiting structures that are formed. Additionally, comments and data associated with testing of carbon fibers and derived specimen will be presented.