Stabilization of Polyacrylonitrile-Based Fiber with a Quasi-Traveling Wave Applicator under Three-Step Microwave Annealing Process

Hung-Chun Hsu^1*, Yan-Cheng Chen¹, Yu-Cheng Chin¹, Hsien-Wen Chao¹, Tsun-Hsu Chang¹

¹Department of Physics, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan

* Presenter:Hung-Chun Hsu, email:z11452@yahoo.com.tw

This work introduces a novel microwave applicator and optimized processing conditions for stabilizing polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based precursor fibers. The microwave applicator enables the electromagnetic field to propagate as a quasi-traveling wave, promoting uniform thermal distribution and expanding the heating zone. With this applicator, the precursor fibers undergo thermal stabilization in a three-step process that requires only 24 minutes, compared to the conventional method which typically takes over 90 minutes. Additionally, a control group was prepared within the same apllicator using only hot air heating without microwaves. Results show that under identical temperature conditions, hot air alone could not complete the stabilization reaction.

Keywords: Microwave, Stabilization, Quasi-Traveling Wave Applicator, Carbon Fiber, Polyacrylonitrile