F. T. Wallenberger This book serves as an introduction to advanced
inorganic fibers and aims to support fundamental research, assist
applied scientists and designers in industry, and facilitate materials
science instruction in universities and colleges. Its three main
sections deal with fibers which are derived from the vapor phase such as
single crystal silicon whiskers or carbon nanotubes, from the liquid
phase such as advanced glass and single crystal oxide fibers, and from
solid precursor fibers such as carbon and ceramic fibers. Contents
FIBERS FROM THE VAPOR, LIQUID AND SOLID PHASE 1.1 The most important
phase isthe liquid phase 1.2 Afiber by any name isstill afiber 1.3
Biographic sketches ofthe authors 1.4 Acknowledgments CHAPTER 1 FIBERS
FROM THE VAPOR, LIQUID AND SOLID PHASE F. T. Wallenberger The book
describes advanced inorganic fibers, focuses on principles and concepts,
analyzes experimental and commercial processes, and relates process
variables to structures, structures tofiber properties and fiber
properties to end-use performance. In principle, there are discontinuous
or inherently short, and continuous or potentially endless, fibers.
Short fibers range from asbestos fibers, which were described as early
as 300 BC to carbon nanotubes which were discovered in 1991 [1] and
have been fully described in 1999 [2].