THE PRODUCTION PROCESS

The production of consists of three main stages and an additional conversion process is required.

• The first stage consists in a controlled polymerization of the acrylonitrile to form chains of a defined molecular weight. The outcome of this process is poliacrilonitrile (PAN).Once this is dissolved and filtered it is sent to the spinning machines where the continuous filaments are formed.
   
• In the second stage the dissolved polymer is spun according to the customer's requirements. This spinning process operates continuously it is during this manufacturing stage where the thickness and colour of the filaments are established.
   
• The third stage of the process takes place in the finishing plant. Here, the filaments are subject to a physical treatment in order to give the better resistance and eliminate any residues or excess solvent through washing and stretching
  
  Later the shrinking properties are established according to the type of product and the excess dampness is eliminated with an automatically controlled temperature dryer.
  
  Finally the filaments are subject to a crimp, which improves cohesion, and thus ensuring trouble free processing on the textile plants, the fiber is then packed in bales ready for shipment.
   
• The additional process of conversion is carried out in the Tow to Tops plant. Here the Tow is subject to a strech breaking and combing process. The Resulting product known as Tops could be of the shrinkable type (S), non-shrinkable (n) or a mixture of both (HB).