Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-Based Carbon Fibers
Carbon fibers are some of the most versatile and important materials used in the aeronautical, automotive and materials sciences industries. They offer an excellent combination of strength, stiffness and low weight, making them attractive for many structural applications. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fibers are among the most widely used types of fibers.
In PAN-based carbon fibers, the PAN polymer is the base material. This material is a synthetic copolymer produced from acrylonitrile, which is a nitrogen-containing vinyl monomer. PAN-based carbon fibers are produced by taking a PAN precursor and then transforming it into a structure of overlapping, highly graphitized layers of carbon atoms.
The properties of PAN-based carbon fibers are determined by the type of PAN used, the degree of oxidation achieved and the type of post-treatment used. Oxidation increases the rigidity and strength of the fiber while post-treatment improves the surface properties and increases the fiber’s thermal stability. The PAN-based carbon fibers are available in a range of different diameters and lengths and can be used in a variety of applications.
In the aeronautical industry, PAN-based carbon fibers are used to make extremely light weight, high strength components for aircraft. The combination of low weight, high strength and stiffness make them ideal for this purpose. They are also used to make lighter, more fuel-efficient engines.
In the automotive industry, PAN-based carbon fibers are used for a variety of components, such as for high-end bumper covers, air-intake systems, body panels and other structural parts. They can also be used for interior components, such as dashboard panels, and trim parts.
In the materials sciences industry, PAN-based carbon fibers are widely used in composites, such as in carbon-fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) and carbon-fiber reinforced composites (CFC). This material is also widely used in reinforcing a variety of materials, such as concrete, to give them improved strength and rigidity.
PAN-based carbon fibers also offer a wide range of advantages over traditional metals and alloys, such as being much lighter and more resistant to corrosion, heat and fatigue. They are also much more flexible than traditional metals and can be formed into complex shapes.
Overall, PAN-based carbon fibers are one of the most important materials used in the aeronautical, automotive and materials sciences industries. Their combination of light weight, strength, stiffness and flexibility make them an attractive choice for many applications.
