The main difference between PAN and pitch carbon fibers is that PAN carbon fibers are derived from polyacrylonitrile, a synthetic polymer, while pitch carbon fibers are derived from petroleum or coal tar pitches.
PAN and pitch-based carbon fibers are two different types of carbon fibers that differ in their raw materials and manufacturing processes.
Key Areas Covered
1. What are PAN Carbon Fibers
– Definition, Properties, Applications
2. What are Pitch Carbon Fibers
– Definition, Properties, Applications
3. Similarities Between PAN and Pitch Carbon Fibers
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between PAN and Pitch Carbon Fibers
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
PAN Carbon Fibers, Pitch Carbon Fibers, Polyacrylonitrile
What are PAN Fibers
PAN (Polyacrylonitrile) fiber is a type of synthetic fiber derived from the polymerization of acrylonitrile, a petrochemical monomer. The polymerization process involves the combination of acrylonitrile with other comonomers, resulting in a highly stable and durable fiber. The fiber is typically produced through wet or dry spinning techniques, where the polymer solution is extruded and solidified into filaments. One remarkable feature of PAN fiber is its flame-retardant property. It does not melt or drip when exposed to fire, making it suitable for applications where fire safety is crucial. Furthermore, PAN fiber can be easily dyed using a wide range of colorants, allowing for vibrant and fade-resistant textiles.
Figure 1: Polyacrylonitrile
PAN has extensive applications across numerous industries. In the textile sector, it is commonly used in the production of apparel, such as lightweight and breathable sportswear, durable outdoor clothing, and high-performance protective gear. Its moisture-wicking properties make it an ideal choice for activewear, ensuring comfort and optimal performance for athletes.
Moreover, PAN fiber has made significant contributions to the aerospace industry. Its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio makes it an excellent material for manufacturing aircraft and spacecraft components, including structural parts, wings, and fuselages. PAN fiber composites, such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs), provide lightweight alternatives to traditional metal structures, leading to improved fuel efficiency and enhanced maneuverability.
What are Pitch Carbon Fibers
Pitch carbon fibers, derived from petroleum-based pitch, stand out due to their remarkable mechanical properties and high thermal stability. They possess excellent tensile strength, exceeding 5 GPa, which is comparable to steel. Moreover, their specific stiffness is twice that of aluminum, making them ideal for lightweight applications. Pitch carbon fibers exhibit exceptional resistance to corrosion, chemicals, and extreme temperatures, enabling their utilization in demanding environments. Their high thermal conductivity ensures efficient heat dissipation, making them suitable for heat-sensitive applications.
The unique properties of pitch carbon fibers enable their application in a wide range of industries. In aerospace, these fibers are employed in the manufacturing of aircraft and spacecraft components, including structural elements, control surfaces, and propeller blades. Their lightweight nature reduces fuel consumption and enhances overall performance. Additionally, their high strength and durability ensure the safety and longevity of critical aerospace components.
Figure 2: Pitch Carbon Fiber
The automotive industry also benefits significantly from pitch carbon fibers. They are used to produce lightweight body panels, reducing the weight of vehicles and improving fuel efficiency. Furthermore, these fibers enhance crashworthiness and provide exceptional vibration damping, leading to enhanced comfort and safety.
Renewable energy sectors, such as wind energy, utilize pitch carbon fibers in the construction of turbine blades. The fibers’ superior strength and stiffness allow for longer and more efficient blades, increasing energy output. Additionally, their resistance to corrosion and fatigue ensures the durability and longevity of the blades in harsh environmental conditions.
Similarities Between PAN and Pitch Carbon Fibers
- Both PAN-based and pitch-based carbon fibers have a high carbon content, typically above 90%.
- Both types of carbon fibers are lightweight, making them desirable for applications where weight reduction is crucial, such as the aerospace and automotive industries.
- PAN-based and pitch-based carbon fibers possess a high strength-to-weight ratio, which means they can withstand high loads and stresses while remaining lightweight.
Difference Between PAN and Pitch Carbon Fibers
Definition
PAN (Polyacrylonitrile) carbon fibers are derived from polyacrylonitrile, which is a synthetic polymer. Pitch carbon fibers, on the other hand, are derived from petroleum or coal tar pitches.
Raw Materials
PAN carbon fibers are derived from polyacrylonitrile, a synthetic polymer. On the other hand, pitch carbon fibers are derived from petroleum or coal tar pitches, which are byproducts of the petroleum refining or coal tar distillation processes.
Tensile Strength
Moreover, PAN carbon fibers generally exhibit lower tensile strength than pitch-based carbon fibers.
Manufacturing Process
PAN carbon fibers go through a more complex and time-consuming manufacturing process, involving steps such as oxidation and carbonization to achieve the desired carbon structure. Pitch carbon fibers, on the other hand, undergo a less complex and quicker process, primarily consisting of carbonization and graphitization.
Mechanical Properties
PAN carbon fibers are stiffer but more brittle compared to pitch carbon fibers, which are more flexible and less brittle.
Thermal and Electrical Conductivity
Pitch carbon fibers offer higher thermal and electrical conductivity compared to PAN carbon fibers.
Applications
PAN carbon fibers have applications in aerospace, sports equipment, automotive components, and various other industries. Pitch carbon fibers are commonly used in aerospace, military, and high-end industrial applications due to their superior mechanical properties.
Conclusion
The main difference between PAN and pitch carbon fibers is that PAN carbon fibers are derived from polyacrylonitrile, a synthetic polymer, while pitch carbon fibers are derived from petroleum or coal tar pitches. Moreover, PAN carbon fibers are stiffer but more brittle than pitch carbon fibers.
Reference:
1. “PAN-Based Carbon Fiber.” Zoletk.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Polyacrylnitril” By Roland Mattern – Roland1952 (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Mitsubishi K13D2U pitch-based Carbon fibers” (CC0) via Picryl
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