Importance

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Abstract

An improved method of making a PAN copolymer is provided which includes providing a first reaction mixture including polyacrylonitrile dissolved in an aqueous solution containing a thiocyanate salt; providing a second reaction mixture including a metal catalyst dissolved in an aqueous reactive solvent; mixing the first and second reaction mixtures in a container to form a master reaction mixture; heating the master reaction mixture via a heating element to maintain a predetermined reaction temperature range for a time sufficient for completion of a predetermined level of hydrolysis of polyacrylonitrile, wherein the reaction temperature (T.sub.r) is represented by the formula T.sub.r=T.sub.a+T.sub.e wherein T.sub.a is the temperature resulting from the amount of added heat and T.sub.e is the temperature increase from the heat generated by the exothermic reaction.

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First Claim