Polyacrylonitrile (abbreviated as PAN) is a high-molecular compound synthesized from the monomer acrylonitrile (CH₂=CH-CN) through free radical polymerization. The acrylonitrile units in its molecular chain are mainly connected in a head-to-tail manner.

Pure polyacrylonitrile has strong intermolecular forces and a higher melting point than its decomposition temperature, making it difficult to process. Therefore, the polyacrylonitrile commonly used in industry is usually a copolymer with an acrylonitrile content of over 85%. The second and third monomers added are intended to improve its spinning properties, feel, and dyeability. Its most well-known trade name is acrylic fiber (commonly known as "artificial wool"), and it is also the most important precursor material for producing carbon fibers.

Basic parameters

Advantages and Characteristics

• Excellent weather resistance and light resistance: This is one of the most outstanding advantages of PAN. After being exposed to the elements outdoors for 18 months, the fibers of PAN can still maintain 77% of their original strength, far exceeding that of most natural and synthetic fibers. Therefore, it is highly suitable for making outdoor products.

• Excellent chemical corrosion resistance: Highly stable against inorganic acids, oxidants (such as bleach powder, hydrogen peroxide) and common organic reagents, but unstable in concentrated alkali and prone to hydrolysis.

• Fluffy and warm with a wool-like texture: The fluffy and curling nature of PAN fibers makes them soft to the touch and have excellent warmth retention. Their warmth retention is approximately 15% higher than that of wool, thus earning the title of "artificial wool".

• High strength and wear resistance: Although pure PAN has relatively low strength, through copolymerization modification and process optimization, the strength of its fibers can reach 22.1 to 48.5 cN/tex, which is 1 to 2.5 times higher than that of wool.

• The carbonization rate is high: As a precursor for carbon fibers, PAN can form a stable carbon framework structure during the high-temperature heat treatment process, making it an ideal raw material for manufacturing high-performance carbon fibers.

Main purpose

Due to its unique physical and chemical properties, polyacrylonitrile is applied in a wide range of fields including civilian, industrial and cutting-edge technologies:

Textile and Apparel Industry

• Faux wool products: Made from pure wool or a blend of wool, they are transformed into yarn, blankets, artificial fur, etc. They possess excellent loftiness and warmth retention properties.

• Outdoor clothing: Due to its excellent sun resistance, it is used to make ski suits, hiking clothes, nautical suits, military canvas, tents, etc.

Industry and Environmental Protection Field

• Carbon fiber production: This is the most strategically significant application of PAN at present. PAN-based carbon fibers possess the characteristics of light weight, high strength, and high modulus. They are the core materials for aerospace (aircraft, rockets), missiles, high-end sports equipment (golf clubs, tennis rackets, bicycles), and automotive lightweighting.

• Filtering material: PAN can be made into hollow fiber membranes or filter cloths, which are used in water treatment, ultra-pure water production, air purification, medical devices (such as artificial kidney dialyzers), and industrial wastewater recycling.

Emerging and Specialized Applications

• Building materials: When added as reinforcing materials to concrete or asphalt, they can enhance the crack resistance and durability.

• Battery separator: PAN-based gel polymer electrolyte has been studied in the field of lithium batteries and has a relatively high ionic conductivity.