A
spinneret is a device used to extrude a polymer solution or polymer
melt to form
fibers. Streams of
viscous polymer exit via the spinneret into
air or
liquid leading to a
phase inversion which allows the polymer to solidify. The individual
polymer chains tend to align in the fiber because of
viscous flow. This airstream liquid-to-fiber formation process is similar to the production process for
cotton candy. The fiber production process is generally referred to as "spinning." Depending on the type of spinneret used, either solid or
hollow fibers can be formed.