Surface Modification Method of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) Fibers by L-cysteine Coupling Protein

This study reports an innovative environmental friendly polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber grafting modification method, which is using L-cysteine as a coupling agent to link the hydrolyzed PAN fibers with protein macromolecules by covalent bonds. After hydrolysis of PAN fibers, protein grafting was carried out after cysteine treatment. This method could improve the grafting efficiency of grafted polyacrylonitrile fiber without producing toxic by-products to human body and environment. The structure and surface appearance of the grafted fibers were characterized by FTIR, SEM, XRD and XPS. It was proved that the protein was successfully grafted onto the surface of acrylic fibers. The grafted fibers also showed improved mechanical properties and good hygroscopicity.