Unit #1 - Two of the take-up reels giving us the first quality assurance metric - "peacock coloration". The change in the fiber from black to the multiple colors is an indication that the PAN carbon fiber base material has been converted to Fi-BarTM. Independent analysis of Fi-BarTM has been completed validating the partial conversion of all the filaments in the tow. Additional QA testing is continuing using inhouse SEM/EDS and independent laboratories for complete analysis and verification to measure the extent of conversion, tensile strength, modulus, and upper use temperature of the converted fiber. A second production unit is currently being fabricated to increase production.
• Density: VC has a higher density (5.77 gm/cc). VC/C is light-weight 2.5 to 4 gm/cc with carbon core: VC conversion layer is near diamond hardness
• High-temperature material (2730 C melt)
• Key feature: VC is wettable by iron and steel in alloys. VC nano used in grain boundary refinement steels.
• Normally very dense (14.3 g/cm3) but lighter with a carbon core
• High-temperature material (3880 C vaporizes)
• Near diamond hardness
• HFC layer is near diamond hardness
• High-temperature material (3900 C melt)
• Density: VC has a higher density (12.2 gm/cc). TaC/C is light-weight 2.5 to 4 gm/cc with carbon core
• Key feature: High-temperature stability. Forms mixture with TaC
• Wettable by aluminum (possible reinforcing material)
• Near diamond hardness
• High temperature (3065 C melt)
• Low density (4.94 g/cm3)
• Inexpensive metals source
• Low density (3.16 g/cm3)
• High-temperature material (2830 C vaporizes)
• Near diamond hardness
• Can have either conductive or insulative electrical properties