ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the structure of fiber forming polymers used in the production of industrial textiles. Most of the polymers have a predominantly carbon based backbone and are, therefore, organic structures. A polymer structure may be classified as either a homopolymer or copolymer. Many polymers used in textile applications are homopolymers. A copolymer configuration requires that two or more different types of repeating units are present in the structure in some sequence. Most of the polymers used in fibers are linear, at least when the fiber is first produced. There may be several trade names for the same generic fiber manufactured by different companies. The properties of these fibers may or may not be the same, but they all fit the generic definition of the fiber. The Federal Trade Commission generic name for natural fibers is generally the same as the common name. Cotton, wool, silk, linen, and jute are all acceptable generic names.
