Patent ID: 6593451
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: C08J

Abstract:
A method of processing polyacrylonitrile into a predetermined form, which comprises:(a) preparing a first solution of (i) a room temperature solvent that will dissolve polyacrylonitrile at room temperature, and, (ii) a room temperature non-solvent that will not dissolve polyacrylonitrile at room temperature, said first solution being prepared with sufficient of said non-solvent to render said room temperature solvent inoperable such that it will not dissolve polyacrylonitrile at room temperature and such that it will be operable at temperatures above 65Â° C. to dissolve polyacrylonitrile therein; (b) combining polyacrylonitrile with said first solution to form a mixture, in an amount of at least 20%, by weight, of polyacrylonitrile, based on the total weight of the mixture; and, (c) processing said mixture in a hot-melt processor at temperatures in excess of 65Â° C. to produce a polyacrylonitrile product.