An initial evaluation of poly(vinylacetylene) as a carbon fiber precursor Original Research Article

Poly(vinylacetylene) obtained by the selective polymerization of monovinylacetylene through the vinyl group has been investigated for its use as an alternative precursor for carbon fibers. The low yield of char obtained on pyrolysis of the polymer in an inert atmosphere was improved dramatically by subjecting its fibers to an oxidative treatment before the carbonization step. Optimization of this oxidative treatment was carried out to maximize the yield of carbon obtained after pyrolysis up to 900 °C.