An Overview of Acrylonitrile Production Methods: Comparison of Carbon Fiber Precursors and Marketing

Acrylonitrile is a key precursor in the production of a wide range of products in the chemical industries. The major products of acrylonitrile include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene resin, acrylic fibers, and adiponitrile. The demand for the roduction of acrylonitrile is affected by the global economy but because of the development of living standards; the demand for producing acrylonitrile and its derivations are significantly increasing. So in 2016, China alone produced 32% of the world’s acrylonitrile, and its production is expected to have a 55% increase in 2021. Acrylonitrile and its derivations have wide applications in different industries like car manufacturing, electronics, aerospace, and textile. Considering the importance of the acrylonitrile precursor in the current world, in this study, we discuss and investigate its production processes, the obtained copolymers, and polyacrylonitrile production and its application in the carbon fibers and compare it with other carbon fiber precursors such as mesophase pitch and cellulose. We also focus on its marketing in the world.