Strong, Pure, and Uniform Carbon Fibers Obtained Directly from the Vapor Phase

With laser-assisted chemical vapor deposition, strong and flexible carbon fibers were obtained at high reaction chamber pressures (> 1 bar) with growth rates >0.3 millimeter per second; their tensile strength (3 gigapascals) approaches that of commercial intermediate modulus carbon fibers made by conventional process routes. With the process described here, carbon fibers can be produced with superior chemical purity and structural uniformity. They may become the material of choice in currently emerging premium end uses, including carbon fiber infrared detection elements.