Abstract
Electrospinning represents the very effective process of producing nanofibrous mats. This process is influenced by a number of mutually and strongly interlaced entry parameters (characteristics of polymer, solvent, process parameters) and their participation in the resulting nanofiber quality. The appearance of nanofibers is a result of the necessary primary experimental parameter setting within an acceptable range. However, finer analysis of nanofiber quality depends on the proper choice of these individual factors. The aim of this contribution is to evaluate one of the key factors—polymer concentration—with respect to the presence or absence of bead formation. This passage can be approximated by rheological oscillatory measurements when a sudden decrease in phase angle indicates this change. It replaces otherwise time- and cost-consuming trial-and-error experiments. This approach was tested using three different materials: solutions of poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene), poly(vinyl butyral), and poly(ethylene oxide).
Highlights
In past decades the application of nanofibrous materials has shifted from classical filters to other uses such as protective clothing, antibacterial wound dressing, and tissue engineering, to name a few
Quality of the resulting nanofibers is subject to various parameters that can be classified to four basic groups: polymer characteristics, solvent characteristics, solution characteristics, and process parameters
In the following, interlacing of rheological characteristics of polymer solutions used in the process of electrospinning with the morphological characterization of electrospun nanofibers are presented with an emphasis to create nanofibers with a good quality
Summary
In past decades the application of nanofibrous materials has shifted from classical filters to other uses such as protective clothing, antibacterial wound dressing, and tissue engineering, to name a few. In some applications the appearance of singularities along the nanofibers, so called beads characterized by an abrupt increase in nanofiber cross-section followed by a sudden decrease, is required as it substantially improves adhesion [1,2]. The electrospinning process [3,4,5,6,7,8] represents one way to produce nanofibers in a relatively cheap manner. This process is based on applying a high voltage (in orders of ten kV) to polymer solutions or melts when ejected nanofibers are deposited on a grounded collector. Quality of the resulting nanofibers is subject to various parameters that can be classified to four basic groups: polymer characteristics, solvent characteristics, solution characteristics, and process parameters
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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
