Development of synthetic polymeric fibers dates back to late 1930s. After nearly three quarters of a century of development, properties and productivity of textile fibers such as nylons and polyesters have reached a plateau. Development of liquid crystalline polymers (thermotropic and lyotropic) in 1960s and 1970s, and that of the gel spinning technology for polyethylene in late 1970s resulted in the availability of high performance polymeric fibers that are used in ballistic and other demanding applications. In early 2000s, in collaboration with Professor Dave Schiraldi, we reported the development of fibers from the so called <i>frustrated liquid crystalline polymers</i> such as PETBB, that have properties between textile fibers (such as PET and nylon) and the high performance polymeric fibers (such as PPTA and extended chain polyethylene). Development of carbon fibers began in late 1950s, and their mechanical properties have now appeared to reach a plateau. In this presentation, we will trace the development of textile fibers, high performance fibers, and carbon fibers and discuss the gap between the currently achievable properties and their theoretical potential. The potential of multifunctional polymeric and multifunctional carbon fibers will also be discussed.<br/>

Developments in textile, multifunctional, and carbon fibers

255th National Meeting (2018)

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