fibrylacja

Fibrylacja is a Polish term used in several scientific and industrial contexts to denote processes that produce, transform, or emphasize fibrous structures. Because it is applied across different disciplines, its exact meaning depends on the field, and there is no single universal definition.

In biology and biomedicine, fibrylacja can refer to the formation or accumulation of fibrils—thread-like protein aggregates such as amyloid fibrils. Such fibrillation is a topic of study in neurodegenerative diseases and protein misfolding. It is distinct from cardiac fibrillation, which denotes irregular heart rhythms.

In materials science and engineering, fibrylacja describes the development of fibrous morphologies in polymers, composites, or natural polymers like cellulose. Techniques include mechanical fibrillation, chemical pretreatment, and various spinning or drawing processes to create fibers or nanofibrils. Fibrous materials often exhibit enhanced strength, surface area, and bonding characteristics, and are used in composites, gels, and reinforced papers.

In papermaking and pulp processing, fibrillation refers to refining steps that generate fibrillated cellulose, increasing inter-fiber bonding and stiffness of the final product. Fibers treated to become finer fibrils contribute to higher strength and better printability.

The term is thus multidisciplinary, with its precise definition and methods varying by context. Related concepts include fibril, fibrillation, and nanocellulose.