SGL Carbon will showcase a new 50k carbon fiber at JEC World 2023. New carbon fiber SIGRAFIL ® C T50-4.9/235 better meets the high strength requirements of ordinary pressure tank structures, while also having high elongation. This also makes it possible for other applications in segmented markets that require high strength and elongation.
Development work pays off – reaching a new level of strength
SGL Carbon has years of experience in carbon fiber production, producing its own precursors and carbon fibers in its European and North American value chains.
SIGRAFIL ® C T50-4.9/235 carbon fiber is developed on the basis of a 50k fiber combination, which has been mass-produced and successfully used in wind energy and automotive industries. New SIGRAFIL ® C T50-4.9/235 achieved high levels of strength (4.9 GPa) and elongation (2.0%) in the 50k field.
So far, these values can only be achieved through fibers with lower fiber numbers (such as 12k or 24k). This further supplements SGL's extensive 50k fiber product portfolio. The typical advantages of SIGRAFIL 50k fiber, such as higher process efficiency, higher material throughput, faster process time, and less setup work, can now also be used for these innovative applications.
Carbon fiber based solutions are a key driving force for the transition to sustainable transportation, such as hydrogen transportation using pressure vessels and fuel cells in the future. After successful development work, we can now showcase 50k carbon fiber at JEC World 2023, which has achieved new levels of elongation and strength. In addition, it also provides customers with significant processing advantages. I am very proud of our team The head of SGL Carbon's carbon fiber business department said.
For pressure vessels
With its innovative products, SGL Carbon supports the rapidly growing demand for climate friendly transportation. Due to its unique mechanical properties, the new SIGRAFIL ® C T50-4.9/235 carbon fiber is very suitable for winding pressure vessels required for storing hydrogen gas in fuel cell vehicles. In the manufacturing of pressure vessels, plastic containers are wrapped in resin impregnated carbon fibers and then cured. Due to its lightweight and high strength, SIGRAFIL carbon fiber has a weight advantage in tank design, capable of withstanding high pressures up to 700 bars.
In addition to being used for pressure vessels, the new SIGRAFIL ® C T50-4.9/235 carbon fiber can also be used in segmented markets such as buildings, infrastructure, and sports that require high strength and fiber elongation.