Editing Fiber (section)

====Polymer fibers====
* Polymer fibers are a subset of artificial fibers, which are based on synthetic chemicals (often from [[petrochemical]] sources) rather than arising from natural materials by a purely physical process. These fibers are made from:
** polyamide [[nylon]]
** PET or PBT [[polyester]]
** phenol-[[formaldehyde]] (PF)
** polyvinyl chloride fiber (PVC) [[vinyon]]
** polyolefins (PP and PE) [[olefin fiber]]
** [[Acrylic fiber|acrylic]] polyesters, pure [[polyester]] PAN fibers are used to make [[carbon fiber]] by roasting them in a low oxygen environment. Traditional acrylic fiber is used more often as a synthetic replacement for wool. Carbon fibers and PF fibers are noted as two resin-based fibers that are not [[thermoplastic]], most others can be melted.
** [[aramid|aromatic polyamids]] (aramids) such as [[Twaron]], [[Kevlar]] and [[Nomex]] thermally degrade at high temperatures and do not melt. These fibers have strong bonding between polymer chains
** [[polyethylene]] (PE), eventually with extremely long chains / [[Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene|HMPE]] (e.g. Dyneema or Spectra).
** [[Elastomer]]s can even be used, e.g. [[spandex]] although urethane fibers are starting to replace spandex technology.
** [[polyurethane]] fiber
** [[Elastolefin]]
* Coextruded fibers have two distinct polymers forming the fiber, usually as a core-sheath or side by side. Coated fibers exist such as nickel-coated to provide static elimination, silver-coated to provide anti-bacterial properties and aluminum-coated to provide RF deflection for [[Chaff (radar countermeasure)|radar chaff]]. Radar chaff is actually a spool of continuous glass tow that has been aluminum coated. An aircraft-mounted high speed cutter chops it up as it spews from a moving aircraft to confuse radar signals.