Filamentfibrer

Filamentfibrer refer to fibers composed of one or more continuous filaments, meaning extremely long and thin strands with a high length-to-diameter ratio. They can be monofilament (a single filament) or multifilament (a bundle of many filaments) and may be natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Most filament fibers are produced by extrusion: polymer melts or solutions are forced through spinnerets to form filaments, which are then solidified and often drawn to increase molecular orientation and strength. Depending on the polymer system, spinning can be melt-spinning, dry-spinning, or wet-spinning.

In textiles and industrial fabrics, filament fibers can be used directly as continuous filaments or processed into yarns by twisting or combining with other fibers. Multifilament filaments may be textured or crimped to add bulk. Monofilaments are typically used for specialized applications such as fishing line, dental floss, or industrial filaments. Filament fibers also play a central role in composite materials, where long continuous filaments such as carbon, glass, or aramid provide high strength and stiffness as reinforcement.

Key properties of filament fibers include high tensile strength, high modulus, low density, and good dimensional stability, though chemical resistance and handle (softness, bulk) vary by material. They contrast with staple fibers, which are short and usually must be spun into yarns before weaving or knitting.

Industries employing filament fibers include apparel, technical textiles, and composites for aerospace, automotive, and construction. Environmental considerations include energy use in production, end-of-life options, and recyclability of certain polymers.