Polyacrylonitrile is mostly manufactured through radical polymerisation. Its technical uses are mainly as a homopolymer but the material is more difficult to colour when used in textiles than the copolymers. It does not melt and has no welding properties. Through copolymerisation the fibres become highly flame-resistant.
It is also highly resistant to acids and hydrolysis resistant due to its polymer basis. As a nonwoven material it has good scrub resistance and outdoors demonstrates a highly light and weather proof as well as good durability against rotting. Polyacrylonitrile forms the basis for the manufacture of carbon fibres.