Preparation of plasticized spinning polyacrylonitrile fibers using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride: A review

Ionic liquid, as a green solvent, has been widely used in high-tech fields. One of the uses is an excellent plasticizer for polymers, and a good plasticizing effect can be achieved for these polymers. 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) is a kind of ionic liquid, it possesses low melting point, strong polarity, high temperature stability, and other characteristics, which can be used as a highly effective plasticizer for polyacrylonitrile (PAN) to achieve plasticized spinning. In this review, for PAN fibers, plasticizing mechanism, raw material preparation, spinning process adjustment, structural chemical change, and fiber properties were summarized. At the same time, the related reports on plasticized spinning PAN composite fibers were reviewed as well. The field that has not yet been studied in depth was also discussed in this paper. It is hoped that this paper will provide an important basis for those people who will be engaged in further study on plasticized spinning PAN (PAN composite) fibers.