Aspinneret is a device used to extrude a polymer solution or polymermelt to formfibers.[1] Streams ofviscous polymer exit via the spinneret intoair orliquid leading to aphase inversion which allows the polymer to solidify. The individualpolymer chains tend to align in the fiber because ofviscous flow.[2] This airstream liquid-to-fiber formation process is similar to the production process forcotton candy. The fiber production process is generally referred to as "spinning". Depending on the type of spinneret used, either solid orhollow fibers can be formed.[1]Spinnerets are also used forelectrospinning andelectrospraying applications. They are sometimes calledcoaxial needles, orcoaxial emitters.
Spinnerets are usually made of metals with melting points too low to withstand the heating processes employed in industrial metallurgy, and thus are generally not used to formmetallic fibers.
