Nano Scale Polymerization and Fiber Spinning.

Polyethylene nanofibers with excellent properties have been prepared by the polymerization in mesoporous silica channels. Currently we could only produce small quantities of such fibers. By using techniques similar to that for polyethylene, our work is aimed at synthesizing nylon and polyester nano fibers by carrying out the polymerization step in mesoporous silica channels. In addition, we are exploring process modifications in order to produce larger quantities of polyethylene nanofibers. These fibers derive their exceptional properties from their morphology, especially from the higher fraction of extended chain crystals present in the fiber. During the polymerization process and subsequent removal of molecular assembly as fibers, mesoporous channels restrict polymer chains from forming folded chain crystals that weakens the fiber. We have synthesized a number of different mesoporous channels: silica, SnO₂, and alumina with various pore diameters. These mesoporous systems are being used for synthesizing exceptionally strong nanofibers of different diameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]