4M Carbon Fibre, a company based in Knoxville, Tennessee, is advancing the production of carbon fibres with the qualification of a new plasma oxidation line. This line, boasting an annual capacity of 50 tons, is set to offer an alternative method for carbon fibre manufacturing.

The $4.5 million project enables 4M to provide material for large-scale qualification initiatives, a crucial step for securing licensing agreements and driving equipment sales. The new technology aims to triple production speed, reduce oxidation energy consumption by 75%, and lower capital costs by up to 50% and operating costs by 30%, compared to standard industry processes.

“This project is a critical milestone in scaling up our technology and will foster broader collaborations with key industry players,” said Dr. Truman Bonds, 4M's Chief Technology Officer. “We aim to make carbon fibre production more affordable and accessible. This new line will demonstrate the capabilities of our innovative process to potential partners, highlighting not just cost efficiency but also enhanced carbon fibre quality.”