Carbon Nanoparticle Effects on PAN Crystallization for Higher-Performance Composite Fibers.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers are key precursors for high-performance carbon fibers due to their excellent carbonization properties.
• Fiber spinning involves complex processes including solution behavior, macromolecular extension, and crystallization, which dictate final fiber properties.
• Polymer chain morphology and pore formation significantly influence the microstructure and mechanical characteristics of PAN fibers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the fabrication of PAN control fibers and PAN-CNT composites using fiber spinning.
• To analyze the impact of varying polymer concentrations (9, 10, 11 wt %) and carbon nanotube (CNT) loading on fiber properties.
• To understand how CNTs affect the microstructure, crystallinity, and thermal stability of PAN fibers.

Main Methods:

• Fiber spinning was employed to fabricate both PAN control fibers and PAN-CNT composite fibers.
• Polymer concentrations of 9, 10, and 11 wt % were utilized, with specific loading of CNTs.
• Characterization techniques included wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to assess microstructure and thermal properties.

Main Results:

• PAN fibers and PAN/CNT composite fibers fabricated at 9, 10, and 11 wt % polymer concentrations demonstrated enhanced performance.
• The incorporation of CNTs was shown to modify the polymer microstructure.
• Analysis revealed significant effects of CNTs on the crystallinity and thermal stability of the composite fibers.

Conclusions:

• Fiber spinning is an effective method for producing high-performance PAN and PAN-CNT composite fibers.
• Optimized polymer concentrations and CNT integration lead to improved fiber properties.
• CNTs play a crucial role in tailoring the microstructure and enhancing the thermal stability of PAN-based materials.