Date of Award
5-2026
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School
Polymer Science and Engineering
Committee Chair
Dr. Tristan Clemons
Committee Chair School
Polymer Science and Engineering
Committee Member 2
Dr. Derek Patton
Committee Member 2 School
Polymer Science and Engineering
Committee Member 3
Dr. Xiaodan Gu
Committee Member 3 School
Polymer Science and Engineering
Committee Member 4
Dr. Olivia McNair
Committee Member 4 School
Polymer Science and Engineering
Committee Member 5
Dr. Thomas Werfel
Abstract
Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is a key industrial polymer for the production of carbon fiber for high-strength, lightweight composite material applications, with an estimated 90% of the carbon fiber market relying on PAN-based polymers. Traditionally, PAN synthesis is achieved by conventional free radical polymerization, resulting in broad molecular weight distributions and the use of toxic organic solvents or surfactants during the synthesis. Additionally, attempts to improve polymer and processing properties by controlled radical polymerization methods have suffered from low monomer conversions and difficulties in achieving molecular weights suitable for producing high-performance carbon fiber. In this study, we present aqueous photoiniferter (aqPI) polymerization of acrylonitrile and its important comonomers to achieve both high monomer conversion and polymer molecular weights with significantly faster kinetics, and importantly, superior dispersity control when compared to traditional methods. This approach allows for the unprecedented control of polymer properties integral for downstream processing for enhanced carbon fiber production.
Copyright
Evan K. Stacy, 2026
Recommended Citation
Stacy, Evan K., "Aqueous Photoiniferter Polymerization of Acrylonitrile-Based Polymers: Enabling the Production of High-Quality Carbon Fiber Precursors" (2026). Dissertations. 2465.
https://aquila.usm.edu/dissertations/2465