General Phosphate Chemistry (As Applied to Fibers)

General inorganic phosphate chemistry is reviewed in this chapter. Both theory and practice are covered in some detail as a background for controlling both properties and formation of condensed phosphates. Particular attention will be directed toward the necessary constraints required to grow very long polyphosphate anions resulting in long strong phosphate fibers. Much of the work to follow will refer to this chapter. The old established chemistry and some very recent chemistry that is yet too new to judge its long term value is presented.