17th International Fiber and Polymer Research Symposium

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Carbonization and characterization of waste PAN fibers for compliance with the green agreement and contribution to the carbon footprint via energy production from the process

Authors :

Müge Çağlar¹ Samet Yuvayapan²

1- AKSA Akrilik Kimya, İTÜ 2- AKSA Akrilik Kimya

Keywords :

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)،Waste fiber،Carbonization Process

Abstract :

In this study, carbonization of homopolymer polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber wastes obtained from AKSA Acrylic Chemical production was completed at different temperatures for 1 hour at temperatures of 500, 600, and 800°C with a heating rate of 10°C/min. Carbonization yields were found 48,6%, 54,1%, and 46,5% for products from 500, 600, and 800°C processes respectively. The best yield for the pyrolysis liquid was calculated as 11,6% and the yield of the gases evolved during production was found 34,3% for the process at 600°C. Carbonized products (CP) were analyzed via X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses were performed to determine the characteristics of carbonized products. From the XRD analysis, it is clear that all products demonstrate mostly amorphous structures, and the intensity of two theta values at 13, 25, and, 43° is an indication of the presence of different macromolecular units in the polymeric carbonized products. From SEM images, the fiber structure of CPs remains intact and exhibits a non-porous surface. In addition, as expected, all fibers are found to be adhered to each other from lateral surfaces due to the extreme temperatures. However, the holes at contact points between fibers are visible. The carbonization process of PAN fiber wastes is more advantageous than incineration due to the carbonized solid yield when compared to the other polymeric wastes such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyamide (PA). Therefore, its contribution to the carbon footprint and green agreement would be substantially high.