Mitsui Chemical, Microwave Chemical complete microwave-based carbon fiber demo facility

Mitsui Chemicals Inc. (Tokyo, Japan) and Microwave Chemical Co. Ltd. (Osaka, Japan) have completed construction of a demonstration facility for microwave-based production of innovative, eco-friendly carbon fiber at Mitsui Chemicals Nagoya Works. The production line was completed in December 2023.

The facility began a trial run in January 2024. The companies continue to look at establishing mass production technology and intend to begin supplying carbon fiber samples from the facility within fiscal 2024.

As was announced on Nov. 16, 2022, Microwave Chemical has contributed to the installation of the demonstration facility by supplying Mitsui Chemicals with all of the necessary equipment for a microwave-based heating line that uses its Carbon-MX technology. This technology performs the oxidation and carbonization processes within the carbon fiber production line. Mitsui Chemicals has set up the entire process, integrating the Carbon-MX technology elements.

Carbon-MX technology leverages the ability of microwaves to heat a target substance from the inside, enabling processes that minimize unnecessary heat generation. When compared to existing methods, this is reported t significantly reduces the time spent on heat treatment, resulting in a shorter heating process line and thus more compact facilities. (See “Microwave heating for more sustainable carbon fiber”.)

Further, since the equipment itself does not reach high temperatures, the technology is expected to provide benefits with regard to equipment costs, energy costs and safety. Mitsui Chemicals and Microwave Chemical have projected that this approach will cut energy consumption by 50%. If the power used to generate the microwaves is switched to renewable energy, then CO₂ emissions are expected to be reduced by over 90%.

Going forward, both Mitsui Chemicals and Microwave Chemical will employ lifecycle assessments (LCA) as the companies look to minimize CO₂ emissions throughout their value chains. In this demonstration production line, the companies endeavor to meet the rising need for carbon neutrality in industries where carbon fiber is slated for use, including mobility.