Carbon Nanoparticle Effects on PAN Crystallization for Higher-Performance Composite Fibers

Abstract

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers, widely recognized for their exceptional carbonization and graphitization at higher processing temperatures, serve as precursors for high-performance carbon fiber production. This study explores the fabrication of PAN control fibers and PAN-CNT composites via fiber spinning, a process influenced by solution behavior, macromolecular extension, and crystallizations. The polymer chain morphologies, along with pore nucleation and growth, play a critical role in determining fiber microstructure and mechanical properties. Comprehensive characterization like wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was conducted for PAN control and PAN-CNT composite fibers at polymer concentrations of 9, 10, and 11 wt % with specific CNT loading. This study highlights the enhanced performance of PAN fibers and PAN/CNT composite fibers fabricated at polymer concentrations of 9, 10, and 11 wt %. Additionally, the effects of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the polymer microstructure and properties, including crystallinity and thermal stability, were analyzed and compared.