The exact IUPAC name for PAN is Polyacrylonitrile.
Understanding PAN: Polyacrylonitrile
PAN is the widely recognized abbreviation for Polyacrylonitrile, a synthetic polymer that plays a significant role in various industries. This thermoplastic resin is distinguished by its robust chemical structure, which contributes to its exceptional thermal stability and resistance to various chemicals.
Key Characteristics of Polyacrylonitrile
Polyacrylonitrile is classified as a homopolymer, meaning its structure is composed solely of repeating units derived from a single type of monomer: acrylonitrile. The polymer forms long, continuous chains of these units.
Here is a concise overview of its key identifiers and structural information:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| IUPAC Name | Polyacrylonitrile |
| Common Abbr. | PAN |
| CAS Number | 25014-41-9 |
| Monomer | Acrylonitrile (C₃H₃N) |
| Polymer Type | Homopolymer of repeating acrylonitrile units |
Elemental Composition
The centesimal composition of Polyacrylonitrile, reflecting the percentages of each element by mass, is as follows:
- Carbon (C): 67.91%
- Hydrogen (H): 5.7%
- Nitrogen (N): 26.4%
This elemental breakdown aligns with the molecular formula of its repeating unit, (C₃H₃N)n.
Applications and Industrial Significance
Polyacrylonitrile is highly valued for its versatility, finding critical applications across several sectors:
- Carbon Fiber Precursor: Perhaps its most prominent application is its use as the primary precursor material for manufacturing carbon fiber. Through a controlled process of oxidation and carbonization, PAN fibers are transformed into lightweight, high-strength carbon fibers, vital for aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment industries.
- Textile Fibers: PAN fibers are frequently incorporated into fabrics, often blended with other materials like cotton or wool. This enhances the textiles' properties, improving resistance to shrinking, stretching, and wear.
- Filtration Systems: Due to its excellent chemical resistance, PAN is utilized in the production of membranes for various filtration and separation processes.
- Outdoor and Protective Apparel: Its durability and resistance to environmental factors make it suitable for specialized outdoor and protective clothing.
IUPAC Naming Conventions for Polymers
The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) establishes systematic nomenclature rules for chemical compounds, including polymers. For linear homopolymers like Polyacrylonitrile, the naming convention is generally straightforward: the monomer's name is preceded by the "poly-" prefix. Thus, the monomer acrylonitrile gives rise to the polymer Polyacrylonitrile, clearly indicating its chemical identity and polymeric nature.
To learn more about this versatile polymer, you can explore detailed information on Polyacrylonitrile.
