Polymerisation process for acrylonitrile
An improved method is described for the production of a polyacrylonitrile solution from which fibers may be spun. Earlier methods for polymerizing acrylonitrile have required the use of catalysts in order to obtain satisfactory spinning solutions, and the polymer thus produced incorporates traces of the catalyst, which is not only expensive, but also promotes degradation of the polymer when exposed to the weather; in addition the process requires many hours for its completion. The method described uses a mixture of acrylonitrile with dimethyl sulfoxide, which is heated to about 50 deg C and subjected to gamma - or x-ray irradiation. Vinylic monomers or organic acids may be included to fix dyestuffs. Polymerization times are short, a 6-hr reaction producing, for example, 65% by weight of polymer. The amount of dimethyl sulfoxide should preferably exceed that of acrylonitrile in a ratio of about 7 to 1. The process is characterized by its simplicity of manipulation and its ability to be incorporated into a flow system. A manganese oxalic acid complex may be incorporated in the reaction mixture to introduce carboxylic groups and to stabilize the spinning solution, and if a small amount of hydrazine sulfate is present the acrylonitrile fibers show a higher degree of white matte, while addition of vinyl toluene during the reaction results in fibers with improved physical and mechanical properties. Examples of application are given. (UK)
- Research Organization:
- Originating Research Org. not identified
- NSA Number:
- NSA-29-018192
- OSTI ID:
- 4349176
- Report Number(s):
- GB 1337109
- Country of Publication:
- United Kingdom
- Language:
- English
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