Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides an improved process whereby the thermal stabilization of acrylic fibers is accelerated. The process comprises providing a zone of electron radiation and continuously passing a continuous length of acrylic fibrous material through the zone so as to provide an energy absorption of from about 5 to about 30 megarads. The residence time of the acrylic fibrous material in the zone of electron radiation is less than five seconds. The continuous length of acrylic fibrous material is subsequently continuously passed through a thermal stabilization zone wherein the acrylic fibrous material is heated in an oxygen-containing atmosphere provided at a temperature in the range of about 220.degree. C. to 310.degree. C. for about 10 to 30 minutes. The acrylic fibrous material formed thereby is thermally stabilized (i.e., black in appearance, retains its original fibrous configuration substantially intact, and is non-burning when subjected to an ordinary match flame). The electron radiation treatment has surprisingly been found to accelerate the desired thermal stabilization when compared to prior art processes which do not include the treatment of acrylic fibrous material by electron radiation.

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First Claim