major property and processability improvements are noted in large-scale fiber evaluation because of the superior parameter control possible in large batch operation. In the case of a large-scale operation, feed material purity and homogeneity requirements are obviously high for the program to be initiated, much less successfully completed. Experiments beyond the screening stage are, therefore, nontrivial and involve the commitment of major capital resources, expertise, and man-hours.

• Technologies for the fabrication of a wide range of high-performance fibers are known and have been used to prepare fibers of many types with great diversity in composition and properties.

• The high cost of manufacturing remains a common problem from the standpoint of economics and utilization of many high-performance synthetic fibers.

• Pyrolysis and chemical conversion of precursor fibers, CVD, and single-crystal growth processes are promising routes to the fabrication of continuous high-performance synthetic inorganic fibers.

• The control of microstructure during fabrication and applications is a vital consideration for all classes of high-performance synthetic fibers for structural uses.

• New processes and increased understanding of the processes used now will be important in the development of reinforcement fibers for future composite applications with more demanding requirements.

• Continued efforts on fiber coating processes and fundamental studies on interfacial effects between fibers and matrices are needed.

1. Sowman, H. G., "A New Era in Ceramic Fibers via Sol-Gel Technology", Am. Ceram. Soc. Bulletin, Vol 67 [12], pp 1911-1916, 1988.

2. Bracke, P., H. Schurmans and J. Verhoest, Inorganic Fibres and Composite Materials, Pergamon Press, 1984.

3. Watt, W., "Chemistry and Physics of the Conversion of Polyacrylonitrile Fibers into High Modulus Carbon Fibers," Handbook of Composites, Vol. 1 Strong Fibers, 327-387, Eds. W. Watt and B. V. Perov, Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., North-Holland, 1985.

4. Daumit, Gene P., Y. S. Ko, C. R. Slater, J. G. Venner, D. W. Wilson, C., C. Young, and H. Zabaleta, "MSP-A Domestic Precursor For Current And Future Generation Carbon Fibers," 20th International SAMPE Technical Conference, 20, 414, 1988.

Front Matter (R1-R16)

Executive Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations (1-8)

1 High-Performance Synthetic Fibers for Composites (9-20)

2 High-Performance Fiber Materials: Applications, Needs, and Opportunities (21-48)

3 Fiber-Forming Processes: Current and Potential Methods (49-102)

4 Important Issues in Fiber Science/Technology (103-108)

5 Important Policy Issues (109-118)

Glossary of Terms (119-126)

Appendix (127-129)