Question

Why do fibres possess a high tensile strength?

Answer 1

1. Fibres have high tensile strength because their molecular chains are held by strong chemical bonds along the backbone, so pulling breaks many strong bonds.
2. Long polymer chains and a high degree of polymerisation allow continuous load transfer.
3. Chains are highly oriented and packed into crystalline regions during drawing or spinning.
4. Strong inter‑chain forces (hydrogen bonding, van der Waals) and cross‑links resist pull.
5. Low defects and a uniform microstructure reduce stress concentrators.