1:1 alternating copolymer of acrylonitrile and vinyl acetate

Copolymerization of the acrylonitrile-zinc chloride complex with excess vinyl acetate has been investigated. Alternating 1:1 copolymers of acrylonitrile and vinyl acetate of high molecular weights have been successfully prepared. The alternating structure has been ascertained by means of high-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The copolymer is amorphous (T_g = 85°C) and has shown thermal and oxidative stability better than those of polyacrylonitrile. The copolymer is soluble in acetone as well as in more powerful solvents such as dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, nitromethane, and N-methylpyrrolidone. The copolymer has been processed into films and fibers from its acetone solutions. Films show tensile properties similar to those of cellulose acetate under ambient conditions; they suffer drastic loss in tensile properties at above 50°C and retain their good tensile properties at subzero temperatures (determined as low as ?40°C). Fibers show tensile properties comparable to those of modacrylic fibers under ambient conditions but suffer marked loss in stiffness at 40°C in water and 60°C in air. The fibers also retain their good properties at subzero temperatures (measured down to ?60°C).