STRUCTURAL MODIFICATION AND MOLDING OF POLYACRYLONITRILE

Polyacrylonitrile can be compression‐molded with conventional equipment if the inherent polymer particle structure is modified. With normal polymerization methods, a circumferential orientation in the polymer particle is obtained. This structure can be changed under the effects of shear to yield highly ordered, laminar particles with planar orientations. In this form, PAN can be compression‐molded into tough, clear, chemically resistant articles with retention of the laminar structure. The polymer has been characterized by its x‐ray diffraction and infrared spectrum which, in combination, distinguish it from previously observed forms of PAN. Copyright © 1969 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.