Analysis of the electrostatic field distribution to improve the electrospinning process—Practical tips

Abstract

Nanofibers made in the electrospinning process have a very interesting set of material properties that are beneficial for many applications. Despite many existing commercial solutions, there are still some problems that need to be solved to improve the quality of obtained materials as well as overall process performance. For example, an irregularity of the electric field intensity distribution along the collector surface, resulting in an irregular distribution of nanofibers decreases the efficiency of the electrospinning process. Moreover, it also leads to the generation of coarser nanofibers from the middle part of the cylinder surface in comparison to those produced at the cylinder ends. The numerical simulations of the electrospinning process applying infinite domains using the finite element method presented in this paper provide effective methods to improve the distribution of the electric field intensity on the collector, which has a direct impact on the obtained structure of nanofibers.