The focus was on rural economic development during County Officials Day at the State Capitol Feb. 10, and included a presentation on the potential for coal to be used in ways other than generating electricity. The discussion centered on the use of coal to produce carbon fibers and ultimately, carbon composite, which is praised as an advanced material that can be stronger and lighter than steel.
Eric Eddings, University of Utah professor of chemical engineering and associate dean of research, said demand and production of coal in the U.S. has decreased 18 percent in the last year alone resulting in a significant impact on coal-producing areas. That has prompted the search for other uses or products derived from coal.
Professor Eddings said, “Carbon composite is an advanced material, an engineered material that has amazing properties, and can be used in many ways.” Uses now include a range of aerospace components, medical devices, industrial products, and recreational products.
The researcher said the University of Utah recently received a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce of $1.6 million over the next three years to start looking at Utah coal to find out how suitable it is for the production of carbon fibers. “We basically heat coal under oxygen deficient conditions to produce a material to spin and turn into carbon fibers,” he explained.
A significant industry
Eddings also noted, “The State of Utah actually has a very significant industry in composites and engineered materials.” More than 100 companies are involved in the Utah Advanced Materials Manufacturing Initiative. According to its website, “UAMMI is a joint effort of industry, government, military and academic leaders who are committed to strengthening the supply chain and ecosystem that supports this vital industry in Utah.”
Professor Eddings also told county officials that many other research programs around the country and around the world are also focused on carbon fibers and other products derived from coal such as rare earth elements, a set of seventeen unique chemical elements in the periodic table.
More than 90 percent of rare earth elements are currently produced and marketed by China. The elements are crucial to technology such as cell phones, TV screens, computer monitors, hybrid electric cars, wind turbines, and defense applications.