What Is Polyacrylonitrile?
Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), with the chemical formula (C3H3N)n, is a polymer compound obtained by free radical polymerization of the monomer acrylonitrile. The acrylonitrile units in the macromolecular chain are connected in a joint-tail manner.
- Structural characteristics: PAN is a polymer that is difficult to crystallize. Even random PAN can form a two-dimensional ordered quasi-crystalline structure or a three-dimensional ordered crystalline structure. It is generally believed that PAN molecules have two conformations: (a) helical conformation and (b) planar Z-type conformation.
- Chemical resistance: Good tolerance to a variety of chemicals (such as acids, alkalis, solvents, etc.).
- Thermal stability: Has a high heat deformation temperature and is suitable for high temperature environments.
- Excellent mechanical properties: High strength, good toughness, suitable for making high-strength products.
- Low flammability: Inherently flame-resistant, making it suitable for applications where fire safety is a concern.
- Good UV resistance: Shows resistance to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
- Good formability: Can be processed by a variety of methods.
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Forming and Processing Technology of PAN Fiber
| Technology | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|
| Dry Spinning | The PAN solution is extruded through a spinneret into a high-temperature gas atmosphere. The solvent evaporates, concentrating the polymer and forming fibers. | Simplicity, low cost, and the ability to produce fibers with high-temperature resistance. | Limited control over fiber properties, potential for defects, and the need for additional heat treatments. |
| Wet Spinning | The PAN solution is extruded through a spinneret into a coagulation bath, where it solidifies. | Better control over fiber properties, reduced defects, and the ability to produce fibers with specific characteristics. | Higher cost, complexity, and the need for careful control of the coagulation bath. |
| Dry-Jet Wet Spinning | The PAN solution is extruded through a spinneret into a dry section before entering a coagulation bath. This hybrid method combines the advantages of both dry and wet spinning. | Improved fiber properties, higher spinning speeds, and reduced defects. | Increased complexity and potential equipment challenges. |
Get PAN Fibers from Alfa Chemistry
PAN fiber, also known as acrylic fiber, exhibits good heat resistance, chemical corrosion resistance, high tensile strength, large elastic modulus, good light resistance and radiation resistance due to the inherent characteristics of PAN. At Alfa Chemistry, we supply high-quality PAN fibers of various specifications.
Applications of PAN Fibers
Textile Field
PAN fiber is widely used in making clothing and decorations due to its softness, bulkiness, light resistance, antibacterial and other characteristics. For example, it can be used to make blankets, carpets, tents, ski outerwear, etc. In addition, it can be blended with wool to make wool yarn and wool fabrics.
Building Materials
PAN fiber is widely used in concrete products, such as to improve the tensile strength, fatigue strength and bending strength of concrete, thereby extending the service life of infrastructure such as roads. It is also used in cement concrete roads, bridge decks, airport runways and other projects.
Environmental Purification
PAN fiber also has important applications in environmental purification. Through physical modification, chemical modification and other methods, PAN fiber can be used to adsorb harmful substances in water, air and soil, such as heavy metal ions and organic pollutants.
Medical and Filtration
The biocompatibility and antibacterial properties of PAN fiber make it useful in the manufacture of medical bandages, surgical gowns and other medical products that require safe and hygienic materials. In addition, it can also be used to make air filters, water treatment filters, etc.
Electronic Materials
PAN fiber has excellent electrical insulation and high temperature resistance, and can be used to make cable insulation materials, electronic components, etc.
Industrial Uses
PAN fiber is used to make industrial filter cloth and other composite materials due to its high strength and durability. In addition, it is also used to make high-performance fiber materials in the automotive, electronic and aerospace fields.
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