Mass DSC/TG and IR ascertained structure and color change of polyacrylonitrile fibers in air/nitrogen during thermal stabilization

The structure evolution was studied by mass spectrum (MS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results indicated that the CN and CC groups appeared gradually with the increase of the temperature in air and nitrogen. The CO groups appeared because of oxidative reaction in air. The CN, CC and CO groups were all chromophores. The effect of conjugated CN and CC on the absorption of the visible light was shifted to longer wavelengths and indicated π-π* transition. There was a strong bathochromic effect as the number of CC bonds were increased. The effect of CO and –NH2 on the absorption of the visible light was shifted to longer wavelengths and indicated n-π* transition. Oxygen could facilitate chemical reactions in air. Hence, the color of PAN in air was deeper than in nitrogen at the same temperature. The structural change of PAN in air was faster and more complex than in nitrogen. PAN fibers treated in air turned black after 230°C. However, PAN fibers turned black at 350°C in nitrogen. The MS and FTIR indicated that cyclization occurred before dehydrogenation during stabilization in air and nitrogen. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010