Introduction

The last forty years have seen considerable advances in polymer processing, one key area of progress being the production of highly oriented polymers. Processing is receiving increasing emphasis for several reasons. First, it has been recognised that the properties of polymers do not depend only on their chemical composition, but also on the structure which is imparted during processing. Secondly, there is the challenge that by optimising processing operations, polymers can be used for significant load bearing applications, with properties equivalent to or in some cases better than competitive materials. Finally, the combination of improved modelling and increasing computer power should make possible higher degrees of process control.