The influence of pyrolysis on physical properties and microstructure of modified PAN fibers during carbonization

Abstract

AbstractModification of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers with potassium permanganate has reduced the time required for stabilization and also improved the mechanical properties of the resulting carbon fibers. In this study, the effect of modification on the physical properties, microstructure, and elemental composition of fibers during the carbonization process was examined for the first time. The resulting carbon fibers developed from modified PAN fibers had a higher density, a greater stacking size (Lc), and a higher preferred orientation than those developed from unmodified PAN fibers. The carbon fibers developed from the modified PAN fibers also showed an improvement in tensile strength from 20 to 40%. These fibers showed a radial structure in the fracture surface and were somewhat different structurally in the cross section than were the carbon fibers developed from the original PAN fibers. A model for the structure of both carbon fibers is presented. The relationship between the formation of closed pores from open pores and the variety of cumulative pore area during the heat‐treatment stage is also discussed.