Ultra high molecular weight polyacrylonitrile of Mw = 4.0~17.8×105 was obtained by suspension polymerization

using azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator and polyvinyl alcohol as suspension agent. The effects of temperature

time

stirring rate

initiator concentration

and monomer to water ratio on the polymerization and the polymer obtained are investigated. By using this method

ultra high molecular weight copolymers of acrylonitrile with methyl acrylate

a-methyl acrylic acid can be also synthesized.