Description
Acrylic fiber, also called polyacrylic, polyacrylonitrile, or simply acrylic, is a synthetic fiber obtained from the polymerization of acrylonitrile. Polyacrylic forms long, linear molecules, which are very suitable for use as a (textile) fiber. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is an addition polymer produced from acrylonitrile via radical polymerization. Pure polyacrylonitrile is not suitable for clothing because it is highly flammable and does not adhere well to dyes. Adding small amounts of vinyl chloride to the polymer increases its fire resistance. Adding styrene improves the adhesion of dyes. The acrylic fiber used for textile production is a copolymer of approximately 85% acrylonitrile, supplemented with vinyl chloride, styrene, and possibly other additives. Fibers of pure polyacrylic can be converted into carbon fibers through pyrolysis.
