Spain-based Montefibre Carbon reports it will invest 16.2 million ($17.3 million) in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor production and a flexible carbonization line at its Miranda de Ebro, Spain, plant. The PAN precursor will be converted to semi-aerospace quality carbon fiber with a tensile strength of 700 kilopounds per square inch (ksi) to be sold under the name M700. Montefibre’s advanced carbonization line, expected to be in operation by the end of 2021, will be capable of processing fiber ranging from 80K to 480K with a capacity of 100 tons per year.
The carbonization line will be only the second such line to be installed in Spain, and the investment will make Montefibre the third leading producer of carbon fiber in Europe, according to the company. The Spanish Ministry of Industry contributed 11.5 million euros ($12.3 million) to the investment.
March/April 2020
