The expanded and extensively updated third edition of this standard reference offers comprehensive coverage of the most important natural and synthetic fibers used in consumer goods, agriculture, industry, medicine, and engineering. It features important technical advances from the past decade, particularly in fiber production and novel applications, while containing the latest data and insight into the chemistry and structural properties made possible by these advances. This handbook is intended to foster a better understanding of the structure—property relationships of fibers and fiber-related phenomena.

From the Preface: “...Fiber science in its preent state of development cannot be considered a mature science. New fibers, including nanofibers and biologically and electronically active fibers, are under development for specific applications at present for relatively limited markets...Their development is...derived from the scientific and technological principles of the conventional fibers described in this book. The definitions, morphology, and fine structure, properties, testing, processing methods, and equipment, and the conversions into marketable products are basically similar...”

Target Audience: A wide range of scientists, technologists, and engineers in chemistry, physics, medicine, agriculture, materials, textiles, and polymers; also upper level undergraduate and graduate level stedents in these fields.

Table of Contents:

Polyester Fibers

Polyamide Fibers

Polypropylene Fibers

Vinyl Fibers

Wool and Related Mammalian Fibers

Silk

Jute and Kenaf

Other Long Vegetable Fibers: Abaca, Banana, Sisal, Henequen, Flax, Ramie, Hemp, Sunn, and Coir

Cotton Fibers

Regenerated Cellulose Fibers

Cellulose Acetate and Triacetate Fibers

Acrylic Fibers

Aramid Fibers

Index