Preparation and properties of polyacrylonitrile fibers with guanidine groups

Abstract

The polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers grafted with guanidine groups were prepared by hydrolyzing with sodium hydroxide solution followed by reacting with polyhexamethylene guanidine hydrochloride (PHGC). The grafting degree could be controlled by changing the treatment time of hydrolyzed PAN fibers with PHGC. The chemical composition and morphology of the modified PAN fibers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Elemental analysis (EA), X-ray photoelectric spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results showed that the guanidine groups were effectively grafted on the fibers. The water contact angle of the surface modified PAN fibers was reduced and moisture regain was improved significantly with the immobilization of PHGC on the fibers. Furthermore, the modified PAN fibers exhibited favorable acid dyeability at low temperature (50 °C) over a wide pH range and good mechanical properties. The simple and applicable synthesis process provides a new avenue for modification of PAN fibers with improved hydrophilicity and acid dyeability.