Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), also known as polyvinyl cyanide, is a synthetic, partially crystalline organic polymer resin. It is used in the form of a homopolymer in the field of filtration due to its very good chemical resistance. As a copolymer it is used as a fiber in the textile industry, especially for clothing and home textiles due to its good heat retention and wool-like character. PAN is thermally very resistant as well as against weathering and solar radiation. It is often used as a low-cost alternative to aramid, where the application allows it. Since the decomposition temperature is significantly lower than the melting temperature, only the carbon skeleton is present at about 150 °C. This makes PAN suitable as a precursor to produce carbon fibers.
