Finite element analysis of in-situ alignment of nanoparticles in polymeric nanofibers using magnetic field assisted electrospinning

Abstract

In this study, a three-dimensional magnetic field assisted electrospinning (MFAES) system has been modeled to understand the correlation between the applied magnetic field and electric field distributions during nanoparticle alignment. The results reveal that the electric field distribution has been altered by positioning the magnets at the needle end. The analysis explored the possibility to create a stable liquid jet under a magnetic field, which allows the formation of organized nanostructures in nanofibers. The polarity of the magnet has been used to manipulate the electric field distribution in the electrospinning system. Based on the configuration of magnetic flux lines, the distribution of the electric field has been found to be altered. An axial magnetic field has been provided by the repulsive mode configuration, which could be the reason for alignment of nanoparticles during electrospinning. Simulation proved that the bending instability of the charged liquid jet can be efficiently controlled by placing the magnets on both sides of the fiber formation path in the electrospinning system. The impact of an axial magnetic field on nanofiber formation and nanoparticle alignment during the MFAES process was further experimentally validated.