Molecular Orientation and Fine Structure Development During Polymer Fiber Formation

Our work centers on developing new techniques to quantify amorphous polymer orientation created in various fiber spinning processes. Molecular orientation plays a pivotal role in polymer strength and durability. Therefore, understanding the evolution of molecular orientation in each step of a fiber spinning process is critical in creating fibers with new functionalities and improved mechanical properties and for predicting the final fiber performance. There are a range of techniques available to measure the crystalline or overall molecular orientation in polymers. However, measuring the amorphous orientation in non-crystallizing or semi-crystalline polymers proves a much greater challenge. We aim to develop new analytical techniques to measure amorphous polymer orientation in fibers that will allow for more accurate modeling of fiber properties.