Date Available

5-24-2012

Year of Publication

2012

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Document Type

Master's Thesis

College

Engineering

Department/School/Program

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Rodney Andrews

Abstract

Carbon fiber is one of the leading materials for high strength and modulus, and light weight applications. Improvements in carbon fiber properties are directly dependent on all aspects of manufacture, especially the process of stabilization. Therefore, it is the goal of this thesis to study the effects of the temperature and strain profile of the stabilization process, and the resulting carbon fiber tensile properties. In addition, the precursor fibers used were spun under two different draw ratios, to study the effects of the spinning parameters. Results indicated through DMA studies that completeness of stabilization reactions can be gauged by the peak and leveling of induced stress while fibers are stabilized in isostrain conditions. Through this method, carbon fiber tensile properties were maintained from the prior methods, but saved significant time for processing. Stress vs. strain tests throughout the stabilization process created a baseline for understanding the maximum capable strain on fibers throughout the stabilization process. Lastly, this information was summarized, combined, and basic mechanical engineering principles discussed for a continuous stabilization furnace with strain control, so that further research into the stabilization process can incorporate carbon fibers made with in situ stretch control.

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