Acrylic fibre composition: the major polymer component used to produce acrylic fibres is which of the following?

Introduction / Context:Acrylic fibres are ubiquitous in textiles, outdoor fabrics, and carbon-fibre precursors. The base polymer dictates dyeability, thermal behavior, and conversion pathways (e.g., stabilization to form carbon fibre).

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We consider common ISO/ASTM definitions of “acrylic fibre.”
• Comonomers may be present, but the principal component is decisive.

Concept / Approach:Acrylic fibres are predominantly polyacrylonitrile (PAN) or copolymers with high acrylonitrile content. Polyamides (nylons), polyolefins (PE/PP), and polyesters (PET) define other fibre families. Therefore, PAN is the defining major component of acrylic fibres.

Step-by-Step Solution:Identify industry definition: “acrylic” → PAN-rich composition.Select PAN as the correct choice.Eliminate other polymer families.

Verification / Alternative check:Textile standards specify minimum acrylonitrile content for labelling fibres as “acrylic,” confirming PAN as the major constituent.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:Polyamides, polyolefins, polyesters correspond to nylon, olefin, and polyester fibres—not acrylics.

Common Pitfalls:Assuming “acrylic” indicates any polymer made from acrylic monomers; fibre labelling is specific to AN content.

Final Answer:Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)