Polyacrylonitrile Fiber (PAN Fiber) – A Proven and Trusted Concrete Fiber Additive

In some conditions, concrete should be designed to allow significant deformation. To achieve this, its formula typically requires a high amount of concrete fiber additive. Compared to regular polypropylene (PP) fibers, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers have been proven to withstand and distribute stress more effectively.

Studies have shown that adding a suitable amount of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber, which has high tensile strength and low elastic modulus, can significantly improve the performance of the concrete.

Basic Characteristics of PAN Fiber

What is polyacrylonitrile fiber?

PAN fiber is an organic synthetic fiber made from polypropylene through a special manufacturing process and surface treatment. It has strong bonding (or “gripping”) power with the base material.

When evenly dispersed in the concrete, the fiber can prevent cracks from forming or spreading. This is because when a crack starts near a fiber, the bond between the fiber and the cement is strong enough to absorb the stress that would otherwise expand the crack.

Due to its high strength and excellent bonding with the base material, the polyacrylonitrile fiber effectively reinforces the concrete.

Some Basic Properties of PAN Fiber

WOTAIchem™ Polyacrylonitrile Fiber (PAN Fiber) Technical Data Sheet

The Effect of PAN Fiber on the Crack Resistance of Concrete

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN), with the molecular formula (CH2CHCN)n, contains a polar nitrile group (–CN) in its structure, which makes it hydrophilic. This allows PAN fibers to disperse evenly in water-based systems. Because of this property, PAN fibers are widely used to improve crack resistance in materials like polymer cement mortar, concrete, and putty.

PAN fibers have been shown to significantly enhance the crack resistance of concrete. Research indicates that different dosages of PAN fiber can have varying effects on concrete. In the Table below, cracking index is used as the metric to evaluate the concrete’s performance against cracking.

The influence of different fiber addition amounts on the cracking index of concrete

The cracking index is defined by classifying crack width into five size ranges: greater than 3 mm, 2–3 mm, 1–2 mm, 0.5–1 mm and less than 0.5 mm. Each range is assigned a value: 3, 2, 1, 0.5, and 0.25 respectively. The length of cracks in each range is multiplied by its value, and the total is calculated per square meter to give the cracking index of a sample.

For example, in a 1m² area, there are two cracks of different degrees. Let’s say the length of crack wider than 3mm (corresponding metric index 3) is 110mm, and the length of crack width between 2mm and 3mm (corresponding metric index 2) is 90mm. Then the cracking index will be calculated as: (3 × 110) + (2 × 90) = 510. This number gives us an idea of how serious the cracking is.
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As shown in the figure, the more PAN fiber is added, the lower the cracking index becomes—indicating better performance and fewer or smaller cracks.

Get PAN Fibers from WOTAIchem™ – A Polyacrylonitrile Fiber Manufacturer in China

In the realm of construction materials, the choice of reinforcement can make all the difference. When it comes to enhancing the performance of concrete and a host of other building materials, WOTAIchem™ Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) Fibers stand out as a top – tier solution.

✅ Superior Quality Assurance
WOTAIchem™ PAN fibers are with consistent properties, such as high tensile strength, excellent acid and alkali resistance, and precise fiber dimensions.

✅ Tailored to Your Needs
Whether you require fibers of a particular length, from the short 1mm fibers to the longer 19mm ones, or other types of fibers (macro synthetic fiber, polypropylene monofilament fiber, PET fiber, PVA fiber, etc.) our product portfolio has you covered.

✅ Cost – Effective Performance
Our efficient production processes enable us to offer competitive prices without compromising on quality.

✅ Expert Support and Service
Our knowledgeable staff is always ready to provide technical support. We’re committed to ensuring your complete satisfaction and the success of your construction endeavors.

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