Influence of Zinc Chloride on the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Polyacrylonitrile Fibers

Abstract

The structure and mechanical properties of polyacrylonitrile fibers containing small amounts of Zn2+ were investigated. It is possible to interpret the influence of ZnCl2 on the fibers by diffusion. Fibers spun from spinning dope containing ZnCl2 may have a denser and finer structure because ZnCl2 in the spinning dope retards the coagulation rate. The tensile strength and modulus of the fibers are much improved because of the retardation of coagulation. It is probable that the complexation between Zn2+ and CN groups does not contribute to the improvement of the mechanical properties because the amount of ZnCl2 added in a spinning dope is extremely small.