Although carbon fiber materials are strong and lightweight, they are often very expensive. However, scientists from South Africa are expected to change this situation, and they have discovered a cheaper alternative.
On July 29, according to foreign media reports, researchers at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa discovered that some useless stems of plantain can extract carbon fiber and replace the current carbon fiber materials.
The researchers used a process called hydration degumming to separate the individual fibers that make up these stems. These fibers were then immersed in a 3% caustic soda solution for 4 hours, dried and treated with high-frequency microwave radiation for 2 minutes, and then ethanol was used to prevent them from bunching.
It was found that these fibers can better bond with epoxy resin, and the epoxy resin also contains a small amount of multi-walled carbon nanotubes.
After testing in the laboratory, the researchers found that the new combination is harder and stronger than the resin of the same size. Specifically, they have 31% tensile strength and 34% flexural strength. In addition, they also exhibit better impact strength and thermal conductivity.
The researchers said that once the technology matures, this material can be used in fields such as the automotive industry, which will reduce body weight and improve fuel efficiency. In addition, it will not corrode or rust like metal materials, and has better hardness and is easier to process and shape.
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