Synthesis and characterization of chemically modified polystyrene as processable carbon fiber precursors

In this study, the chemically modified polystyrene was studied for improvement of polystyrene which had low carbon yield, as a carbon fiber precursor. The polystyrene was synthesized with divinylbenzene which was used as a cross-linking agent by the solution polymerization method. Then the synthesized polystyrene was nitrated with sulfuric and nitric acids solution (H₂SO₄/HNO₃) followed by reduction to form nitrogen-functional groups. The surface properties of the modified polystyrene were investigated by Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy to confirm the introduction of functional groups on the modified polystyrene surfaces. The thermal properties of the modified polystyrene were measured by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The morphologies of the electrospun polystyrene fibers by a chemical modification were observed by scanning electron microscopy. From the results, the nitrogen-functional groups were introduced on the modified polystyrene surfaces which affected the quantity of functional groups. Also, the chemical treatment affected the carbon yield of the polystyrene owing to the introduction of nitrogen-functional groups on polystyrene surfaces. Consequently, it was concluded that the chemical treatment of polystyrene fibers enables it to be used as a possible carbon fiber precursor.