Analysis of polymeric optical fibers (POF) woven fabrics with respect to bending

The aim of the thesis is creating a melt-spinning and weaving guideline with regard to the attenuation for the POF (polymeric optical fibres) and the luminance for the POF fabric.Continuous production methods of POF and weaving POF are systematically researched in literature. Pre-trials and main trials for both melt spinning and weaving are handled. The produced POF are analysed optically by attenuation and mechanically by tensile strength test. The most important mechanical test for the POF however is its weaving ability during the subsequent weaving trials. The parameters for the woven fabric trials were classified as external such as machine adjustment and internal factors as pattern and the trials are carried out according to these factors. The produced fabrics are analysed by luminance test measurement.The materials selection of POF production plays a central role in light intensity through the fibre as attenuation. Although some fibres show a suitable attenuation effect, the fibres are too brittle to be used despite their high tensile strength. PMMA- PP has an average attenuation of 30 dB/m, which is ten times higher than other groups. The diameter of POF to be used in weaving allows weaving as it decreases. Parameters such as warp tension, weft density and use of aluminium plate on the weft feeder affect the luminance of fabric and stabilization of fabric as well as the fabric pattern. The average luminance is 34.78 cd/m2 for final trial fabrics, which is 15 times higher than pre-trials fabrics.