Aqueous Photoiniferter Polymerization of Acrylonitrile
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is a key industrial polymer for the production of carbon fiber for high-strength, lightweight composite material applications, with an estimated 90% of the carbon fiber market relying on PAN-based polymers. Traditionally, PAN synthesis is achieved by conventional radical polymerization, resulting in broad molecular weight distributions and the use of toxic organic solvents or surfactants during the synthesis. Additionally, attempts to improve polymer and processing properties by controlled radical polymerization methods suffer from low monomer conversions and struggle to achieve molecular weights suitable for producing high-performance carbon fiber. In this study, we present an aqueous photoiniferter (aqPI) polymerization of acrylonitrile, achieving high monomer conversion and high PAN molecular weights with significantly faster kinetics and dispersity control when compared to traditional methods. This approach allows for the unprecedented control of polymer properties that are integral for downstream processing for enhanced carbon fiber production.
Source: ACS Macro Letters
Authors: Evan K. Stacy, Mac L. McCormick, Kaden C. Stevens, Penelope E. Jankoski, Jeff Aguinaga, Derek L. Patton, Brent S. Sumerlin, Tristan D. Clemons
Institutions: University of Southern Mississippi, University of Florida
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
Funders: National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Mississippi Space Grant Consortium, University of Southern Mississippi, Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship, Bowling Green State University, Division of Materials Research, Office of Integrative Activities
Awards: RII Track-1 Mississippi EPSCoR: Center for Emergent Molecular Optoelectronics (CEMOs), G3120113154, MRI: Acquisition of an X-ray Photoelectron Spectrometer for Research and Education, RII Track-4:NSF: Bioactive Surfaces Through Affinity Tag Protein-Polymer Conjugation, G4763953154, G514444359
OpenAlex ID: W4404526551