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Plasma Oxidation Overview

Plasma Oxidation is a proven technology. Compared to conventional oxidation, plasma oxidation:Makes a better product through more reactive plasma chemistryIs 3 times as fastUses 75% less energy per pound of fiberTakes up significantly less space (1/3 size)Reduces carbon fiber manufacturing cost by at least 20%

Plasma Oxidation Proven Performance2016 1 aMT Plasma Oxidation Oven2

Plasma OxidationHow does it work?Plasma generates a highly reactive gas from air that accelerates the oxidation and stabilization process.This drastically lowers oxidation time and energy requirement.Lower oxidation times provides many advantages.3X Faster Diffusion

Plasma generates a highly reactive gas from air that accelerates the oxidation and stabilization process.This drastically lowers oxidation time and energy requirement.Faster oxidation time provides many advantages (next slide).Plasma OxidationHow Does It Work?Click here for a video demonstration with one clients large tow:https://youtu.be/McJy844rsqg

1 aMT Oven Performance HighlightsSummaryClientOxidation RateIncreaseCarbon Fiber PropertiesPrecursor TypeClient 12.7XComparableCommodity-PANClient 23XComparableCommodity-PANClient 35XComparableLigninClient 4*1XBetterAerospace-PANClient 5*2.5XOPF-ComparableTextile-PANClient 6*1XComparableAerospace-PANClient 7Scheduling trials nowCommodity-PAN

*Preliminary trials only more work required to determine optimal results

1 aMT Oven Performance HighlightsPublicly Available ResultsOnly Client 1s fiber property results can be shared publically. The remainder are under nondisclosure agreements.This work was with BlueStar 24k and 48k precursor.This work was performed during the development stage and does not reflect optimal performance of the technology.Tow configurations:2 x 24k3 x 24k4 x 24k4 x 48kA recent independent study1 showed an increase of 30% in carbon fiber tensile strength using plasma over conventional oxidation.

1Lee, et al. Efficient preparation of carbon fibers using plasma assisted stabilization. Carbon, 55, 361 (2013).

*Estimated using scaling law. Typical consumption is 17-26 kWh/kg OPF.

1 aMT Oven Performance HighlightsClient 1 Medium Tow Energy ConsumptionOxidationRate IncreaseDensity (g/cc)Unit Energy Consumption(kWh/kg OPF)Precursor1 aMT175 aMT*1500 aMT*2.7X1.3644.86.12.72 x 24k2.7X1.3733.54.62.03 x 24k2.7X1.3727.03.71.64 x 24k

*Estimated using scaling law. Typical consumption is 17-26 kWh/kg OPF.Further information cannot be shared.

1 aMT Oven Performance HighlightsClient 2 - Large Tow OPF as Final ProductOxidationRate IncreaseDensity (g/cc)Unit Energy Consumption(kWh/kg OPF)Precursor1 t/y175 t/y*1500 t/y*2.3X1.4410.71.50.6~300k3X1.3615.22.10.9~150k3X1.3812.31.70.7~300k

175 aMT Plasma Oxidation OvenCurrently under construction

Oven Shell, Airflow, Conventional Heat

Inside

InsidePlasma Equipment and Control System

The result of the commercialization plan is this.350 aMT OPFThe successful performance of this oven will enable us to sell these9

1500 aMT Plasma Oxidation Oven

Inside

Inside

Inside

Inside

Inside

Inside

Oven Shell, Airflow, Conventional HeatPlasma Equipment and Control System

1500 aMT Oxidation Oven ComparisonPlasma Oxidation OvenConventional Oven

Significant Reduction in Footprint

Top View

This is a conceptual design. The processing length is 1/3 of conventional.11

1500 aMT Conversion Line ComparisonPlasma Oxidation Integrated ConversionAll Conventional Conversion30% Space SavingsSpecial thanks to Izumi International for additional equipment renderings.

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