The preparation of carbon fiber precursor has long been regarded as a bottleneck for China's high-end carbon fiber self-sufficiency. A recent breakthrough may change this landscape. In mid-August, a project jointly developed by Jinggong Technology, Donghua University, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, and Zhejiang Huachuang Carbon Fiber Technology Co., Ltd. passed a scientific achievement appraisal in Shaoxing, Zhejiang. The project, named "5000-ton DMSO dry-jet wet-spinning high-performance PAN-based precursor complete equipment and process," was evaluated to have reached international advanced level overall, with two indicators achieving international leading status: DMSO recovery steam consumption and polymerization kettle temperature uniformity. This signifies that China's equipment and process capabilities for large-scale precursor production are now competitive on a global stage.
Technical Indicators and Industrial Logic
Precursor quality directly determines the performance ceiling of carbon fiber, while equipment and process maturity dictates stable, low-cost mass production. The core of this project lies not in a single metric but in systematic solutions to multiple engineering scale-up challenges. For instance, a 60-cubic-meter large-capacity polymerization kettle with special stirring and scraper structures achieves temperature uniformity of ±0.4°C, solving heat transfer lag and local mixing deficiencies in high-viscosity systems. Multi-stage symmetrical pressure distribution technology reduces pressure deviation of high-viscosity solution to ±1% at the end, with spinneret outlet pressure fluctuation controlled at 1‰, providing a prerequisite for continuous stable spinning. These figures represent a substantial leap from 'usable' to 'reliable' for domestic equipment.
More importantly, the project simultaneously boosts process speed and capacity. Achieving a process speed of 280 meters per minute and an annual precursor capacity of 5,000 tons, it provides equipment support for downstream carbon fiber enterprises to reduce unit costs and expand economies of scale. For buyers, this means domestic high-performance precursor now offers more reliable supply stability and consistency, reducing dependence on imports.
The 'Green Ledger' of Localization
Beyond performance indicators, breakthroughs in solvent recovery and energy consumption hold significant industrial value. DMSO recovery rate exceeds 99.5%, steam consumption per ton is no higher than 2.2 tons, recovery purity reaches 99.88%, and residual solvent in wastewater is below 100 ppm. Under the 'dual carbon' background, these figures directly address the industry's pain points of high energy consumption and pollution in carbon fiber production. For factories, lower consumption means reduced operating costs and less environmental compliance pressure; for the entire supply chain, it enhances the competitiveness of domestic carbon fiber in green manufacturing.
Demonstration Effect of Industry-Academia-Research Collaboration
Notably, this project was jointly tackled by equipment manufacturers, universities, and a provincial manufacturing innovation center, completed over two years. This 'enterprise poses problems, universities solve them, platforms transform results' model provides a replicable template for common technological breakthroughs in textiles and new materials. Donghua University and Zhejiang Sci-Tech University brought fundamental research in polymerization mechanisms and spinning fluid dynamics, complementing Jinggong's engineering capabilities. Zhejiang Huachuang, as the provincial innovation center operator, played a bridge role in technology transfer and industrial validation. This synergy not only accelerated technology landing but also reserves talent and knowledge for future iterations.
Impact on Industrial Clusters
The appraisal held in Shaoxing, an important base for chemical fiber and new materials, is expected to drive agglomeration of supporting industries for carbon fiber precursor and composite materials. Local enterprises can benefit from nearby access to advanced equipment and process support, reducing technology introduction costs. Nationally, the breakthrough implies more domestic variables in the high-end precursor supply pattern, influencing carbon fiber price expectations and procurement strategies.