Carbon fiber development: from polyethylene-based precursors to carbon fibers.

The article focuses on the development of carbon fiber from polyethylene-based precursors to carbon fibers (CF) as an alternative way to produce more affordable material. It provides overview of the outstanding mechanical properties of polyacrylonitrile-based (PAN) CF since they can be combined with a low-weight, making it highly interesting in the automotive industry. However, the high cost associated with PAN CF has brought to the development of conventional CF with potential cost savings.