This book explores the role of fibers in the future. It has become clear that today's narrow concept of fiber as a basic element of textiles, ropes and nets will soon become outdated — emphasis will shift to new developments in fiber technology and their applications in biomimetics, nanotechnology, and biodegradability. Fibers will be used as separation membranes for artificial organs, for ecological conservation, and in novel applications such as wearable computers and organic electroluminescent displays. There will also be greater potential for the use of fibers in the automotive and aerospace industries, as well as in civil engineering.

From the Preface: “...Fiber textiles science and technology is moving forward positively into the twenty-first century, and the prospect is that the new fiber textile materials will be developed in association with other industrial fields. Fiber textiles technology, for example, has closely followed and been greatly influenced by the information technology (IT) and biotechnology revolutions. Tension members for supporting optical fibers, integrated circuit boards for mobile phones, and wearable computers are examples where fiber textile technology has interfaced with the IT revolution...”

Target Audience: Fiber scientists and industrial technologists concerned with hi-tech fibers and their applications.

Table of Contents:

Searching the Roots of Fibers

The New Frontier Fibers?

Superfibers

Carbon Fiber Expands Towards the Twenty-First Century

High Function Fiber

Frontier of Health and Comfort Fibers

Polymer Fibers for Health and Nutrition

Fibers in Medical Healthcare

Developments in Nanofibers for the New Millenium

Index