Abstract
Fibres are the key constituents of all fibrous assemblies used in any technical and nontechnical applications; hence, to utilise these materials effectively, an in-depth knowledge and understanding of their physical and chemical properties are imperative to any design structures and their expected performance criteria. This chapter briefly introduces the traditional fibres and argues that, within the last 15 years or so, much has happened to elevate the status of fibres from mere conventional and nonconventional entities to highly sophisticated and engineered raw materials. The chapter discusses nanofibres, auxetic fibres, piezoelectric fibres, photovoltaic fibres, and shape-memory fibres (in some detail) and highlights the tendency of a shift from synthetics to natural fibres - with specific reference to required degradation mechanisms in medical applications. The chapter concludes by painting a promising picture for the future of fibre technology swayed by the evolutionary nature of natural habitat.