Evolution of the composition and structure of PAN carbon fiber during preoxidation

• Published in: Science China. Chemistry Vol. 44; no. 2; pp. 196 - 202
• Main Authors: Li, Xiaojia, Luo, Qianhua, Zhu, Yijun, Wang, Haizhou
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Springer Nature B.V 01.04.2001; Central Iron Steel Research Institute
• Subjects: Carbon fibers; Composition; Copolymers; Esters
• ISSN: 1006-9291; 1674-7291; 1862-2771; 1869-1870
• DOI: 10.1007/BF02879538

Using scanning electronic microscope, X-ray diffraction analysis, PYR-GCMS and IR etc., we studied the evolving process of the composition and structure of PAN carbon fiber during preoxidation. In the initial stage of preoxidation, PAN filament tows disappear and become semi-thaw. At first, reactions happen between the copolymers and esters disappear. The molecules annularly crosslink and the index of cyclation slowly increases. It is easy to fix the structure and form defects during the initial and the medium stages, which are most reactive. More traction is advised in these stages to minimize the structural deficiencies. In the medium stage of preoxidation, the fiber was reshaped into new sheet stacks and gradually changed to sheet sectors, and this structure tends to be stable in the final stage. Induced by acid and ester copolymer, PAN fiber forms a very stable cycle structure in the final stage. Besides, monomer, dimmer and trimer obviously decrease. In the final stage of the preoxidation, there exists only the fragment of —CN, and it also disappears at last. The index of cyclation rises with the process of preoxidation and the structural shape stabilizes.