FSAD 6660 - Fiber Formation: Theory and Practice

Spring (offered alternate years). 3 credits. Student option grading.

Prerequisite: polymer chemistry, college physics, FSAD 4360, FSAD 6200, or permission of instructor.

M. Frey.

This course covers the rheological and mechanical behavior of polymeric melts and solutions undergoing fiber formation processes. Students completing this class will have a strong understanding of fiber formation including mathematical modeling of flow lines, polymer and solution properties necessary for fiber formation, and relationships between fiber formation process and resulting fiber properties. Fiber formation methods including melt spinning, gel spinning, dry spinning, wet spinning and electrospinning will be addressed.

Outcome 1: Understand the physical and chemical processes involved in fiber formation including rheology, polymer chemistry and thermodynamics.

Outcome 2: Understand differences between differential and finite element models for fiber formation.

Outcome 3: Be able to use simple forms of these models to predict relationships between the following: thread line dynamics; onset of melt fracture; coagulation rates; polymer crystalline and amorphous orientation and % crystallinity; variation in final fiber tensile properties.

Outcome 4: Be familiar with melt spinning, wet spinning, gel spinning, dry spinning and electrospinning practice.

Outcome 5: Compare theory with practice to understand: Limitations of theory; How theoretical models can be used to tailor results of spinning practice and maximize desired fiber properties.