Cheaper precursors such as polyolefins and lignin
Cheaper conversion processes: Advanced Stabilization, Plasma Oxidation, MAP Carbonization, Surface Treatment… End products being carbon fiber composites, lower final costs can also be achieved by:
New manufacturing processes for semi-manufactured composites
New processing methods for part manufacturing.
In all likelihood, not a single process will be the dominant process but a range of processes will be required to satisfy all requirements. Several ways to make composite parts are now under development, including:
• Matrix nature: thermosetting and thermoplastic resins
• Fiber form: short, long and continuous fibers possibly allied with glass fibers
• Fiber arrangement: random fibers, mats, preforms, fabrics…
• Composite manufacturing methods: thermoplastic and thermoset injection, (high speed) resin transfer molding (RTM), sheet molding compound (SMC), gap-impregnation process, direct compounding and injection…