Electron-beam-induced cyclisation to obtain C-fibre precursors from polyacrylonitrile homopolymers

Abstract

Alkyl radicals were produced and proved to be present (ESR) in polyacrylonitrile fibres which had been exposed to electron beams. By giving the irradiated fibres thermal treatment, it was possible to achieve a radical cyclisation of the PAN fibres. The mechanical textile characteristics of the fibres were determined; they were found to be suitable precursors for carbon fibres. In contrast to conventional cyclisation methods, the convenient high-energy method of irradiation does not need any external or internal catalysts (e.g. PAN copolymers), and it leads to reduced cyclisation times.