PRODUCTION, PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS OF MICROWIRE AND RELATED PRODUCTS

Methods available for the production of microwire, defined as fine filament of circular cross-section and diameter less than 100 mu m, are reviewed, with particular attention being devoted to the versatile Taylor-wire route. The process parameters which are considered to be important in determining the quality of material produced by this and other related techniques, and the types and properties of microwire, are outlined and compared. Techniques for producing related materials, including fibre of non-circular cross-section and narrow ribbon, are also reviewed briefly. In conclusion, a number of potential applications for microwire materials are discussed.