This paper reports on a significant advancement in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based precursor research. We have successfully applied RAFT technology to PAN precursor synthesis, and developed a novel RAFT polymerization process based on the use of dithiobenzoate RAFT agents. The precursor polymer produced has a high molecular weight (> 330,000 g/mol) and a low polydispersity index (1.16). For comparison, a control precursor polymer with a closely matching molecular weight and comonomer content was prepared by conventional free radical polymerization. Both of these precursor polymers were spun into precursor fibers using a wet spinning process under identical conditions. The structure and properties of the PAN precursors were characterized and evaluated. The comparative study results have demonstrated significant molecular profile and property improvements of the RAFT mediated PAN precursor.
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