Polymer microstructured fibers by one-step extrusion

Abstract

For the first time to our knowledge, polymer-based microstructured fibers with complex cross-sections are directly produced via melt extrusion. Two principal types of fibers were fabricated: a microstructured fiber of a single polymer with a hexagonal array of air holes and a bicomponent fiber consisting of approximately 60 coaxial rings. From the latter, strong visible iridescence was observed and is shown to exhibit a mechanochromic response. This approach, the mainstay of the textile trade for decades, offers a means of continuous high-volume low-cost manufacturing of polymer (and conceivably soft-glass) fibers. For example, in the present effort, 128 coaxially microstructured fibers were fabricated simultaneously at rates exceeding 1200 m/min from industrially mainstream polymers. This approach offers an important step forward towards commoditizing microstructured fibers and open new doors for optical engineering in fashion, marking/identification, and numerous military applications.

Luminescent Properties of Oxazine 170 Perchlorate Doped PMMA Fiber

“…In fact, the low thermal conductivity of polymers limits drawing technology to the laboratory and low-level scale production. The high volume production of polymeric optical fibers is based on extrusion technique of acrylic thermoplastic granules or direct in process polymerization [22][23][24]. So far, the poly(methyl methacrylate), well known as organic glass, is the most frequently used one in optical fiber technology as it assures low absorption in visible spectrum range, excellent mechanical and processing properties and low cost.…”

Predictive, Miniature Co‐Extrusion of Multilayered Glass Fiber‐Optic Preforms

“…Co‐extrusion of polymers and glasses has been undertaken for quite a few decades now. As discussed in our earlier work, extrusion, as a glass‐molding technique, can play an important role in the manufacture of novel glass optical fibers .…”

Modeling of a structural coloration of a photonic-crystal fiber

“…This property has an interference nature and is such that, if the outer diameter of a PCF, its arrangement, and the diameter and the number of internal air channels are chosen properly, the PCF can predominantly reflect light with a predetermined wavelength, acquiring visible coloration of a required hue [1]. PCFs with structural coloration are of interest for the textile industry and sensor systems [2,3].…”