2025 Acrylic Staple Fiber Industry Trends and Technological Developments

1. Major Industry News in 2025

1. Sinopec Adjusts Acrylic Fiber Prices (February 2025)

   • Sinopec East China announced February settlement prices for acrylic fiber, with 1.5D staple fiber priced at ¥14,255–14,705/ton and 3D medium-length fiber at ¥14,255–14,406/ton, reflecting stable market demand.

   • Rising crude oil prices have increased production costs, but textile industry demand remains strong.

2. Jilin Chemical Fiber Expands Carbon Fiber Precursor Production

   • Jilin Chemical Fiber, the world’s largest acrylic fiber producer, is constructing a 40,000-ton carbon fiber precursor project, expected to begin production in 2025.

   • This will expand acrylic fiber’s use in aerospace and renewable energy composites.

3. Growth in Chopped Acrylic Fiber Market

   • The global chopped acrylic fiber market is projected to grow in 2025, driven by demand in filtration and cleaning products.

   • Chinese manufacturers (e.g., Shanghai Shangyi Chemical) are increasing exports.

4. Eco-Friendly Acrylic Fiber Development Accelerates

   • Demand for recycled acrylic (GRS-certified) is rising, with some companies offering 30%-100% recycled content.

   • Bio-based acrylic (e.g., corn-derived) is advancing, with commercialization expected in 3-5 years.

2. What is Acrylic Staple Fiber? Who Invented It?

• Definition: Acrylic staple fiber is a short-cut form of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber, typically 30-150mm long, used in spinning and nonwovens.

• Inventor:

  • DuPont (USA) developed pure PAN fiber in the 1940s (branded as Orlon), but it was not commercialized due to dyeing difficulties.

  • 1950s: Copolymerization with vinyl derivatives (e.g., methyl acrylate) improved spinnability and dyeability, enabling mass production.

3. Development History

• 1940s: DuPont’s early PAN research (no commercialization).

• 1950s: Industrial production begins (e.g., Orlon in the US, Cashmilon in Japan).

• 1980s: Global production peaked at 2.1 million tons, second only to polyester and nylon.

• Post-2000s: Functional upgrades (flame-retardant, high-moisture absorption, carbon fiber precursors).

4. Physical Properties

• Density: 1.16–1.18 g/cm³ (lighter than wool).

• Strength: 2.4–3.7 g/den (dry), retains >90% strength when wet.

• Elasticity: Superior to wool (85–95% recovery rate).

• Light Resistance: Best among synthetics (only 20% strength loss after 1-year outdoor exposure).

• Thermal Behavior: Softens at 190–240°C; flammable.

5. Chemical Properties

• Acid/Alkali Resistance: Resists HCl, H₂SO₄, HNO₃; degrades in strong alkalis.

• Solubility: Dissolves in acetone/DMF; insoluble in common organic solvents.

• Dyeability: Requires copolymerization (e.g., sulfonic groups) for better dye uptake.

6. Future Outlook

1. Carbon Fiber Precursors: Growing demand for PAN-based carbon fiber (aerospace, wind turbine blades).

2. Sustainable Fibers: Recycled/bio-based acrylic driven by eco-policies.

3. Functional Fibers: Flame-retardant, antibacterial, and high-absorption variants (medical/PPE).

7. Key Applications

1. Textiles: Wool-like sweaters, sportswear, faux fur.

2. Home Furnishings: Curtains, carpets, upholstery.

3. Industrial Uses:

   • Filtration (chopped fiber).

   • Carbon fiber precursors (aerospace).

   • Concrete reinforcement (crack-resistant fiber).