Fiber future trends

Culshaw B and Dakin J., Optical fiber sensors Applications, analysis, and future trends, Vol.4, Boston - London Artech House, 1997. 

Borchardt, J. K., Nanotechnology Providing New Composites, RP, Nov. 2003. Borchardt, J. K., Reinforced Plastics Help Preserve Historic Buildings, RP, Dec. 2003. Boron-Free Glass Fibers - the Trend for the Future, RP, June 2003. 

Dakin, J., and Culshaw, B. (eds.). (1997). Optical Fiber Sensors (Applications, Analysis, and Future Trends), Vol. 4, Artech House, Norwood, MA. 

G. Parra-Montesinos, HPFRCC in earthquake-resistant structures Current knowledge and future trends , in A. E. Naaman and H. W. Reinhardt (eds) High Performance Fiber Reinforced Cement Composites (HPFRCC4), Proc. RILEM PRO 30, RILEM Publications, Bagneux, 2003, pp. 453-472. 

In summary, beginning in 1993, toluene consumption for TDP has been increasing because of -xylene demand for DMT/PTA, and in turn for polyester fiber production. This trend is expected to continue in the future and whenever the -xylene market is stronger than the benzene market, TDP units will operate, and HD A units will be shut down or converted to TDP units. 

For some applications, a combination of materials may be required to achieve a composite with the desired properties and performance. Property-improved lignocellulosic fibers can be combined with materials such as metal, glass, plastic, natural polymers, and synthetic fiber to yield a new generation of composite materials. New composites will be developed that utilize the unique properties obtainable by combining many different materials. This trend will increase significantly in the future. 

In 1999, U.S. consumption of ethylene glycol totaled 5.5 billion lb. Of that, 1.5 billion lb (28%) was used in the production of polyester bottles, primarily for soft drinks. Polyester fiber applications accounted for 1.4 billion lb (26%), primarily for the textile industry. Polyester film and miscellaneous applications consumed another 0.4 billion lb (7%). Antifreeze applications have held steady at approximately 1.6 billion lb over the last 20 years, and have become relatively less important with time than the polyester applications. This trend is expected to hold in the future. Increased demand for polyester bottles is expected to fuel growth in the United States, and bottle and textile applications are expected to fuel growth in other areas of the world. 

---