ACP Technologies
ACP Technologies develops patented continuous processes to convert low-cost petroleum oils into mesophase pitch for synthetic graphite, carbon fiber, and carbon-carbon composite applications.
- CEO / Founder
- Tom Holcombe
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Growth Stage
Technology & Products
Key Products
Mesophase pitch (isotropic and mesophase); precursor materials for synthetic graphite (lithium-ion batteries); precursor for carbon fiber; precursor for carbon-carbon composites
Technological Advantage
Patented continuous mesophase pitch production process; strategic partnership with ExxonMobil for synthetic graphite supply chain; long-standing collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and DOE's Carbon Fiber Technology Facility; multiple SBIR/DOE grants supporting scale-up.
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Domestic, low-cost production of mesophase pitch — a critical precursor for synthetic graphite, carbon fiber, and carbon-carbon composites — using a patented continuous process that converts inexpensive petroleum oils into high-value carbon materials in minutes rather than hours.
How They Differentiate
ACP's patented continuous process produces mesophase pitch in minutes rather than hours, using low-cost petroleum feedstocks. This enables dramatically lower-cost precursor materials for synthetic graphite, carbon fiber, and carbon-carbon composites compared to conventional batch processes.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Battery manufacturers (lithium-ion); carbon fiber producers; aerospace and defense material suppliers; carbon-carbon composite manufacturers
Industry Verticals
Energy storage (lithium-ion batteries); aerospace; defense; automotive; grid storage; data centers
Competitors
Mitsubishi Chemical (pitch-based carbon fiber); Kureha Corporation (carbon fiber precursors); Superior Graphite (acquired by ExxonMobil, synthetic graphite)
Growth & Milestones
Major Milestones
2009: Founded by Don Malone in Kentucky; 2017: ACP Technologies LLC federally registered; 2022: SBIR Phase I award ($99,721) from DLA for mesophase pitch process; 2024: KY-MEP market study completed; Feb 2026: Ribbon-cutting for 75 lb/hr continuous pilot facility in Ashland, KY (with ExxonMobil); 2026: Zeton delivers 13-module demonstration pilot plant; 2029: Planned commercial-scale plant (20,000 tons/year capacity)
Notable Customers
ExxonMobil (collaborative partner for graphite precursor production)