Progress in structure analysis techniques of fibers

Abstract

The historical progress in structure analytical techniques developed for the fiber science and engineering has been reviewed. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) methods have contributed remarkably in the clarification of detailed information of molecular chain conformation, chain aggregation in the crystal lattice, and aggregation of crystalline lamellae in the fiber. The increasing role of the simultaneous measurement system of WAXD and SAXS is emphasized, which is helpful for the trace of the structural evolution process in the melt crystallization, melt spinning, etc. Neutron scattering method has played also an important role in the structural study of fiber. Several examples including polyethylene, polyoxymethylene, cellulose, and silk fiber have been reviewed for demonstrating the progress in structural analysis of fibers. Scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) and transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) are useful to give the direct images of fibers and the inner structures up to the level of the atomic array in the crystal lattice in some cases. The technical developments in FTIR and Raman vibrational spectroscopy, NMR spectroscopy, AFM and STM, thermal analyses, and computer simulations have been also reviewed.