This book offers a comprehensive and critical review of the science of fiber formation. It focuses on the evolution of microstructure (on the scale of nanometers to micrometers) in relation to forming conditions and molecular properties. It also surveys the connection between fiber structure and macroscopic polymer deformation, orientation, and structure formation.

Structure Formation in Polymeric Fibers reviews the key areas of the field in depth, emphasizing fundamental principles and recent advances. Although each chapter is self-contained and can be read independently, they have been arranged in an order that gives a sense of direction to the reader.

From the Preface: “...It will be clear from this book that there has been intense and highly productive research activity on the physics of fiber formation and polymer orientation over the last forty years, in both industrial and academic laboratories, and that there remains enormous potential for further advances...”

Target Audience: All scientists, engineers, and technologists involved in the research and practice of fiber formation (as well as other polymer deformation processes), and to upper-level undergraduate and graduate students of polymer physics, polymer engineering, materials science and engineering, fiber science, and chemical engineering.

Table of Contents:

Variations on a Theme of Uniaxial Orientation: Introductory Remarks on the Past, Present and Future of Fiber Formation

Structure Formation During Melt Spinning

Advances in the Control of Spinline Dynamics for Enhanced Properties

Structure Formation During Drawing of Flexible Polymer Chains

Basic Aspects of Solution (Gel)-Spinning and Ultra-Drawing of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene

Electrospinning and the Formation of Nanofibers

Fibers From Liquid Crystalline Polymers

Solvent Spun Cellulosic Fibers

Carbon Fibers

Fibers From Electrically Conductive Polymers

Fibers From Polymer Blends and Copolymers

Thermomechanical Processing: Structure and Properties

Microstructure Characterization

Fiber Formation and the Science of Complexity

Index