Bio-Based Carbon Fiber Manufacturing Process 

Members: Industrial Microbes, Georgia Institute of Technology, FERMWORX

Project dates: 2025 – present

This project will develop a cost-competitive, domestic manufacturing process for carbon fiber using waste products such as ethanol and carbon dioxide. Carbon fiber has many applications, including defense, aerospace, and commercial.

Biobased carbon fiber produced using this technology is projected to cost 10-30% less than petroleum-based carbon fiber. This could significantly expand applications for this lightweight, strong material while also sequestering carbon.

Through this project, researchers will produce and characterize lab-scale biobased carbon fiber samples and develop a plan for demonstration-scale production. Currently, the U.S. imports half of its carbon fiber. This work will strengthen U.S. manufacturing capacity for carbon fiber, contributing to a more sustainable, secure, and cost-competitive domestic supply chain.

Funding source: