How is polyacrylonitrile used to make clothing and carpet fibres?

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is a synthetic resin primarily used to produce acrylic fibres for clothing and carpets. Because pure PAN is difficult to dissolve and resistant to dyeing, it is rarely used alone. Instead, it is typically processed as a copolymer by incorporating 2 to 7 percent of a vinyl comonomer, such as vinyl acetate.

This modification allows the material to be solution-spun into soft, flexible fibres that can be effectively dyed. These fibres are valued for their lightweight, lofty texture, which closely resembles wool. Consequently, they serve as a cost-effective, durable alternative to natural wool in items like sweaters, socks, and home furnishings. Additionally, modacrylics—which contain between 35 and 85 percent PAN—are modified with halogen-containing comonomers to provide flame resistance, making them suitable for specialized applications like children’s sleepwear and blankets.12