Interaction between Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and Plasticizer at Different Temperature: Infrared Analysis

The interaction between polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and various plasticizer at different temperature was discussed by infrared analysis. At the room temperature, the interaction between nitrile groups of polymer is so strong that the conventional plasticizer propylene carbonate (PC) or new-type plasticizer ionic liquid can’t have interaction with nitrile groups. However, the interaction between nitrile groups weakens at higher temperature, i.e. 160°C, and the interaction between the nitrile groups and IL is formed, which is maintained when natural cooling to 90°C. The interaction between the nitrile groups and IL weakens again when natural cooling to room temperature, it may be attributed to the interaction between IL and water is stronger than that of IL and PAN.