Analysis of the Inhomogeneity of an Electrospun Mat Produced Using Static and Dynamic Collectors of Different Template Design, Including its Mitigation

Abstract

In an electrospinning process, as the deposition of fibres occurs randomly over the collector, the mats produced are generally expected to have homogeneous properties throughout the mat. This study compares the ultimate tensile strength, porosity, thickness and morphology of the different portions of mats sectioned at various angular locations. The influence of the template design and mode of operation of the collectors on the properties of electrospun mats were investigated. The inhomogeneity in the properties of the electrospun mat produced using stationary collectors was significant, irrespective of the different template design of the collectors. However, the collectors operated in the dynamic mode decrease variations in the properties among the different sections of the electrospun mats. By choosing a particular template design and mode of operation of the collector, an electrospun mat of desired orientation can be achieved.