| A systematical study of fabrication, characterisation, theoretical analysis and applications of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) optical fibres and their textile displays has been conducted. It not only creates a scientific basis for the polymer optical fibres (POF) with respect to its physical properties, optical attenuation and dyeability but also luminescence properties of PMMA POF based textile displays.; PMMA thin films were fabricated by spin coating technique with various conditions. A coupling pressure of 35 ∼ 40psi has been identified as appropriate for measuring the refractive index of the films. PMMA optical fibres were fabricated by using a two-step fabrication technique with a preform-drawing unit. The resultant POFs exhibited a break elongation from 140% to 270%, with a maximum load ranging from 1N to 2N. Commercial POFs were further drawn to produce finer fibres under various operating conditions. Numerous dyeing methods on PMMA fibres have been applied, their effects on the morphological and optical properties of POFs were determined. The optimum dyeing conditions for laser dyes were 85°C for 45 minutes where an extended dyeing period of 60 minutes was suitable for basic dyes. Fibre damages occurred as the dyebath temperature reached near the glass transition temperature of PMMA. The K/S values of basic dyeing improved significantly but the optical transmission of the dyed POF was much reduced.; Transmission power loss of POFs in simulated woven structures and real woven fabrics was measured. Mathematical calculation on the macrobending attenuation of POFs has been made. The radiated light from bent fibres in the three woven structures was measured by a power-meter, confirming the lateral light emitting distribution along the fibre. Fibre diameter, packing density and weave structures affected the luminescence power distribution of the fibre.; Fashion garments with textile display structures of modified POFs were designed and produced applying the techniques. Due considerations were given to system design, power source, light source, coupling, control integrated circuitry and textile display panels. Fabrication of light emitting textile panels provides a platform as the basis for future development of opto-electronic textiles that can be applied in various fields. |
