Phosphate glasses have been studied with keen interest for many years as a material with great potential for use in medical devices. In fibre form, they would offer high strength, high modulus, resorbable materials with the potential for use both in the form of textiles and as reinforcing fibres for resorbable composites. Although well-established as optical fibres, the production of phosphate glass fibres with a diameter small enough for effective composite reinforcement is challenging. Very few sites around the world are able to produce reinforcing phosphate fibres and even then, typically just in single filament form. At Nottingham, we have worked with a number of partners over the years to progress from single filament draw through to early multi-filament devices and are now on the cusp of commercial production. This presentation will discuss the route that was taken and the challenges along the way, as well as showcasing the latest capabilities in manufacturing phosphate glass reinforcing fibre and the materials made using them.
