PAN

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is a high-performance synthetic polymer produced through the polymerization of acrylonitrile monomers. Characterized as a semi-crystalline thermoplastic, PAN is renowned for its superior resistance to chemicals, excellent thermal stability, and robust mechanical properties. Its polymer backbone contains highly polar nitrile (-CN) groups, which enhance its resistance to solvents and environmental degradation.

As a dedicated supplier of plastics and related solutions, Alfa Chemistry provides a diverse selection of plastic materials, including multiple grades and forms of PAN. Owing to its remarkable structural integrity and stability under harsh conditions, PAN is widely utilized as a fundamental raw material for the manufacture of synthetic fibers, high-strength carbon fibers, and a broad array of engineering-grade products.

Figure 1. Chemical Structure of PAN molecule.

How to Make PAN

Polyacrylonitrile is synthesized primarily through free-radical polymerization of acrylonitrile (CH₂=CH–CN) in aqueous or organic media. Depending on the end-use, different polymerization routes are employed:

• Emulsion Polymerization: Conducted in water with surfactants and initiators (e.g., potassium persulfate), yielding PAN latex with controlled particle morphology, ideal for coatings and adhesives.
• Solution Polymerization: Uses polar solvents such as dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethylacetamide (DMAc), or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to produce PAN solutions directly suitable for fiber spinning and membrane casting.
• Radiation-Initiated Polymerization: Initiated by high-energy radiation (e.g., γ-rays or electron beams) without chemical initiators, enabling high-purity PAN with minimized residual contaminants.

These methods can yield either homopolymers or copolymers, depending on the inclusion of comonomers to improve processability or tailor physical properties.

Performance Characteristics

PAN exhibits a unique combination of performance traits that make it a valuable engineering material:

• Chemical Resistance: Outstanding resistance to most organic solvents, acids, and alkalis.
• Thermal Stability: PAN decomposes only at elevated temperatures (>300°C), undergoing exothermic cyclization essential for carbon fiber formation.
• Mechanical Strength: PAN exhibits high hardness and excellent abrasion resistance.
• Low Moisture Absorption: Due to its polar nitrile groups, it has low hygroscopicity (~1.2–2.0%) but can be chemically modified for improved hydrophilicity.
• Electrical Insulation: Naturally insulating and prone to static accumulation, making it ideal for applications requiring dielectric properties.
• Biological Resistance: PAN inhibits microbial growth, beneficial for filtration and biomedical environments.

Applications

The versatility of PAN allows it to meet the demands of numerous high-value applications:

• Acrylic Fiber Production: PAN is the base polymer for acrylic fibers, known for their warmth, softness, and resistance to UV and chemicals—used extensively in textiles, home furnishings, and outdoor fabrics.
• Carbon Fiber Precursor: PAN-based fibers are thermally treated to form carbon fibers with ultrahigh strength-to-weight ratios, widely used in aerospace, defense, and advanced composites.
• Membrane Technology: PAN membranes are employed in ultrafiltration, microfiltration, and pervaporation due to their excellent chemical and thermal resistance.
• Adsorbents and Filters: PAN can be functionalized to serve as adsorbent media in wastewater treatment, especially for dye removal and heavy metal capture.
• Composite Materials: Reinforced PAN composites are used in automotive and electronic components where heat and chemical resistance are critical.
• Nuclear Waste Management: PAN is used as a matrix for immobilizing radioactive solutions, offering excellent chemical and radiological stability.

Our Products

Alfa Chemistry provides customers with PAN in different material forms. The specific products are as follows:

PAN Powders

PAN Fibers