Enhanced mechanical properties of PAN fibers via cation-assisted electrochemical wet spinning

초록

The incorporation of cations into polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers during electrochemical wet spinning significantly enhances their mechanical properties and microstructural uniformity. By controlling cation concentrations and employing external salts, this study demonstrates how higher cation levels improve non-solvent diffusion, stabilize carboxylate groups, and induce demethylation and plasticization. Cations increased the electrical conductivity of the dope solution and regulated the diffusion rates of solvent and non-solvent during the coagulation process. Additionally, cations interacted with the comonomer and nitrile groups within PAN, inducing demethylation and plasticization effects. These effects lead to smaller voids, better alignment, and a 16.12 % increase in tensile strength compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, the optimal cation concentration was identified, balancing enhanced fiber performance with structural integrity. This study highlights the critical role of cations in optimizing PAN fiber properties for advanced applications in carbon fiber precursors.

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