Today, most carbon fibres are produced from the fossil-based raw material polyacrylonitrile (PAN), and the manufacturing process is energy intensive. The LignoWave-CF project investigates an alternative route in which lignin, a by-product of the forest industry, is used as a feedstock while microwave heating replaces conventional furnace-based heating.

Objectives

The project aims to verify a method for producing high-performance carbon fibres from chemically crosslinked lignin fibres using microwave technology. The goal is to develop lignin-based precursor fibres that retain their shape at high temperatures, can be stretched to create a favourable fibre structure, and subsequently converted into carbon fibres with minimal defects. The project will also assess whether the microwave-based process can reduce energy consumption and shorten production times compared with conventional furnace heating.

Why the project is important

The project has the potential to create a new application for lignin, a by-product generated in large volumes by the pulp, paper and biorefinery industries. If lignin can replace fossil-based feedstocks in carbon fibre production, it could reduce dependence on petroleum-derived materials while increasing the value of forest-industry side streams. In addition, the microwave-based process may contribute to lower energy use and shorter processing times. In the longer term, this could strengthen the supply of carbon fibres and support more resource-efficient manufacturing in Sweden and Europe.

Expected results

The project will verify the concept of chemically crosslinked lignin-based precursor fibres combined with microwave-assisted carbon fibre production at laboratory scale. The results will provide knowledge of how material composition and process conditions influence fibre structure, porosity and mechanical performance. The project will also deliver simulation-based comparisons of carbon fibre composites and provide a foundation for further development and scale-up.

The workshop focuses on both fundamental and applied studies in cellulose, nanocellulose, regenerated cellulose and cellulose derivatives, and will take place on 10–11 November 2026 in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden.

Scientific committee 2026

• Professor Antje Potthast, BOKU University, Austria
• Assoc. professor Björn Sjöstrand, Karlstad University, Sweden
• Professor Gunnar Henriksson, Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
• Professor Gunnar Westman, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
• Assoc. professor Helena Håkansson, Karlstad University, Sweden
• Dr. Jakob Wohlert, Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
• Professor Juha Fiskari, Mid Sweden University, Sweden
• Professor Leif Jönsson, Umeå University, Sweden
• Assoc. professor Michael Hummel, Aalto University, Finland
• Professor Pedro Fardim, KU Leuven University, Belgium
• Dr. Raquel Bohn Stoltz, Valmet AB, Sweden
• Dr. Sigvart Evjen, Borregaard, Norway
• Professor Thomas Rosenau, BOKU University, Austria

The organisers are Umeå University and Karlstad University. Conference partners are RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Domsjö Fabriker (Aditya Birla) and Bio4Energy.

Purpose

This project aims to develop conductive air filters that enable in situ carbon regeneration and disinfection of cabin filters through resistive heating. In doing so, the operational lifetime of the filters can be extended, reducing both waste and emissions associated with filter replacement.

Function

The cabin air filter is an important vehicle component that enhances comfort and safety by capturing particles and adsorbing gaseous pollutants, but it is typically replaced annually, generating significant amounts of waste. Carbon regeneration can extend filter lifespan, and both industrial practice and research show that thermal treatment at lower temperatures can remove a substantial portion of VOCs while simultaneously inactivating microbes and reducing the need for chemical antimicrobial agents.

Target

The project aims to develop conductive fibres for resistive heating within the filter, enabling in situ regeneration and disinfection. By functionalising polymer fibres with graphene oxide, which becomes electrically conductive once reduced, non‑woven filter materials can be efficiently heated, and RISE has already developed scalable processes for rGO (reduced graphene oxide) coating suitable for automotive cabin filters.

Partners

RISE coordinates and leads the project, bringing together the car manufacturer Volvo Cars, the air filter manufacturer Camfil, and LayerOne, which develops advanced graphene materials.