While domestic carbon fiber capacity continues to expand, the self-sufficiency of precursor manufacturing equipment has remained a weak link. Recently, a "5,000-tonne DMSO dry-jet wet-spun high-performance PAN-based precursor complete equipment and process" developed by Jinggong Technology with Zhejiang Huachuang, Donghua University, and Zhejiang University of Technology passed a scientific achievement appraisal in Shaoxing, Zhejiang. The overall technology was recognized as internationally advanced, with two key indicators—DMSO recovery steam consumption and polymerization kettle temperature uniformity—at world-leading levels.
Background
What does this appraisal mean? Simply put, PAN-based precursor is the "gene" of carbon fiber performance, and its preparation equipment and process have long constrained China's high-end carbon fiber self-supply. Previously, domestic carbon fiber enterprises mostly relied on imported precursor or foreign equipment, which was costly and created dependency. The appraised complete equipment has a single-line annual capacity of 5,000 tonnes and a process speed of 280 meters per minute, directly benchmarking international mainstream levels.
From a technical perspective, the team solved engineering scale-up challenges such as heat transfer lag and local mixing deficiencies in high-viscosity polymerization systems. The 60-cubic-meter large-capacity polymerization kettle uses a special stirring and scraper synergistic structure, achieving temperature uniformity of ±0.4°C. The multi-stage symmetrical pressure distribution technology from main pipe to branch pipe to spinning position keeps pressure deviation within ±1%, and the spinneret outlet pressure fluctuation is as low as one-thousandth. These figures represent a qualitative leap in precursor quality stability.
Another highlight is the DMSO solvent recovery system. Recovery rate is no less than 99.5%, steam consumption no higher than 2.2 tonnes per tonne, purity 99.88%, and residual solvent in wastewater below 100 ppm. This not only significantly reduces production costs but also eases environmental pressure. In the context of carbon fiber capacity expansion, solvent recovery efficiency directly determines project economics and compliance.
Industry Impact
For downstream carbon fiber producers, this domestic equipment means lower procurement costs. Imported equipment was expensive with long lead times and slow after-sales service. Localization may reduce equipment investment and maintenance costs, thereby affecting terminal carbon fiber prices—beneficial for aerospace, wind turbine blades, hydrogen storage tanks, and other applications.
For upstream raw material suppliers, improved DMSO recovery efficiency will change the demand structure of the solvent market. High recovery rates mean less fresh solvent consumption per unit product, prompting suppliers to focus on recovery services or high-purity solvent markets. Meanwhile, stricter wastewater discharge standards create new technical demands for environmental treatment companies.
The deeper impact lies in industrial security. The global high-end carbon fiber market is still dominated by Toray and Hexcel, and precursor equipment is a key bottleneck. This appraisal marks that China now has independent design and manufacturing capability in this field, filling an important gap in the fully self-controlled carbon fiber industry chain.