Conversion of acrylonitrile-based precursors to carbon fibres

Abstract

The effects of stabilization conditions on the formation of a consolidated carbon fibre structure from two acrylonitrile-based precursor fibres, one containing itaconic acid as comonomer and the other a commercial precursor, have been studied. The progression of changes in elemental composition and properties such as sonic modulus, electrical resistance and density in a continuous, low temperature (1200° C) carbonization process are reported for the first time. A criterion based on attaining a composition dependent critical density in stabilization is proposed for avoiding the formation of a hollow core in carbon fibres processed continuously at reasonably rapid rates. Aspects related to the development of open and closed micropores in the carbon fibre structure and the possible mechanisms for the formation of a hollow core in carbonization are also discussed.