Abstract

In this study, the key factors for controlling the average fiber diameter and diameter distribution of fibers made via simultaneous centrifugal spinning and UV initiated polymerization are elucidated. Through systematic investigation, it was found that the average fiber diameter has a strong dependence on monomer delivery rate through the orifice, which can be intuitively linked to both the orifice diameter and monomer mixture viscosity. On the other hand, the breadth of the fiber diameter distribution can be controlled by the spin speed of the rotating spinneret. Carefully tuning these process parameters allows near independent control of average fiber diameter and its distribution, which could provide access to a widely tailorable range of fibers appropriate for different applications. Finally, under optimized process conditions, crosslinked fibers with average diameters of approximately 1.5 μm can be produced, which are one to two orders of magnitude smaller than photocured fibers fabricated in previous reports and comparable with the smallest melt blown nonwoven fibers produced commercially. Coupled with the advantages of cross-linked fibers made by in-situ photopolymerization, the capability to produce small fibers with tailored diameter distributions by centrifugal spinning could further establish this technology as a competitive alternative to existing approaches.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.