The Australian Carbon Fibre Industry

AZoM's Cameron Chai speaks to VCAMM CEO Brad Dunstan about the Australian carbon fiber industry and how they successfully secured funding to really establish the industry with the aim of positioning Australia for future opportunities. In doing so they organized the Carbon Fibre - Future Directions conference and brought international experts from around the world to share their knowledge and learn first hand about what Australia has to offer. In doing so, the new-found knowledge will be used to focus on research and growth opportunities in carbon fiber in Australia to maximum advantage.

In the past, manufacturing economies had to possess steel production capabilities, this later evolved to become aluminum production capabilities, and for the 21st century, to stay at the head of the game, carbon fiber manufacturing and fabrication capabilities are vital. Areas that are set to consume vast quantities of carbon fiber include the aircraft and aerospace industry, the automotive industry, and wind turbine manufacture, all of which Australia has the potential to be involved.

Brad also outlines how government funding has been used to establish a carbon fiber production facility at Deakin University at the newly established ACFRF or Australian Carbon Fibre Research Facility. The facility will house the world's first open-access carbon fiber production furnace capable of producing 20tpa. It will be used to develop both production technologies and improved materials. Research projects are already underway and being planned and staff being recruited.

Run time - 13:51min