polyakrylonitriilistä

Polyacrylonitrile, often abbreviated as PAN, is a synthetic polymer composed of acrylonitrile monomers. Its chemical formula is (C3H3N)n. PAN is a thermoplastic material, meaning it can be softened by heating and then molded into various shapes. It is known for its high strength, stiffness, and resistance to chemicals and weathering. PAN is insoluble in water but can be dissolved in certain organic solvents like dimethylformamide and dimethyl sulfoxide.

The primary application of PAN is as a precursor for carbon fiber production. When heated to high temperatures in the absence of oxygen, PAN undergoes a process called carbonization, losing most of its non-carbon atoms and forming a strong, rigid carbon structure. This carbon fiber is widely used in aerospace, automotive, and sporting goods industries due to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. PAN is also used in the production of acrylic fibers, which are employed in textiles for clothing, carpets, and upholstery, offering properties like softness, warmth, and resistance to shrinkage and wrinkles. Additionally, PAN finds use in membranes for filtration and separation processes, as well as in some adhesive and coating formulations.