Polyacrylonitrile: Hydrophilic or Hydrophobic?

When looking at polymer materials used in modern science, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) stands out as a remarkably versatile choice, particularly in the manufacturing of filtration membranes. A common question regarding its chemical nature is whether it leans toward being hydrophilic or hydrophobic.

Research and practical applications confirm that PAN possesses a high hydrophilicity. This strong affinity for water is a key reason why it is heavily favored in membrane technology, such as thin-film composite (TFC) membranes.

Beyond its water-attracting properties, PAN offers exceptional chemical and solvent stability. These combined characteristics allow scientists and engineers to deploy advanced membrane processes—including forward osmosis and organic solvent nanofiltration—across a much wider and more demanding range of industrial and environmental applications.

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