Hybrid PAN–Tannin Fibers as Precursors for Eco-Friendly Carbon Fibers

This project aims to develop sustainable precursors for carbon fibers by combining polyacrylonitrile (PAN), the main industrial raw material, with natural tannin derivatives. Fibers will be produced using solution blow spinning (SBS), a simple and scalable technique compared to electrospinning. Tannins, renewable plant-based polyphenols, can improve fiber stability and performance while reducing reliance on fossil-derived inputs, creating hybrid precursors with a lower environmental footprint. The research will focus on four steps: (1) preparing and optimizing PAN/tannin solutions to obtain uniform fibers by SBS, (2) characterizing morphology, size, and thermal stability, (3) testing stabilization and carbonization to assess feasibility of conversion into carbon fibers, and (4) evaluating mechanical properties and structural integrity. These results will provide insights into integrating renewable compounds into advanced carbon materials for lightweight composites, energy storage, and environmental technologies. The collaboration between Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) and Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) combines expertise in biomass valorization, polymer processing, and nanostructured systems. UQAT contributes knowledge and infrastructure for carbon-based materials, while UFF adds experience in fiber fabrication. This partnership will foster international cooperation, train students in advanced techniques, and support Canada’s and Brazil’s shared goals of sustainable innovation and low-carbon technologies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Flavia Braghiroli

Student:

Partner:

Universidade Federal Fluminense

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Education

University:

Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Program: