Abstract
Electro-spun polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/dimethylfonnamide (DMF) polymer solution has been found to produce coil like structures. Two heat treatment steps (stabilization and carbonization) have been used to enhance their mechanical and electrical properties. The relationship between coil morphology and processing conditions is discussed. Raman analysis after carbonization showed peaks at 1360 and 1580 cm(-1) for the D and G bands, respectively. The crystallite size of the carbonized coils was found to be within the same range as those in commercial PAN-based HMS4 carbon fibers. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.