Free surface electrospinning: investigation of the combined effects of process parameters on the morphology of electrospun fibers

Abstract

In this study, three different free surface electrospinning methods: Splashing electrospinning, spiral coil electrospinning and rotary wires electrospinning methods were explored and compared in terms of fiber morphology (diameter fiber and its distribution) and process parameters. It was found that higher voltage values between 45 kV to 60 kV were necessary for Splashing electrospinning method while voltage values ranged between 50 kV to 70 kV and voltage values between 40 kV and 60 kV were enough for spiral coil and straight wires electrospinning methods, respectively. The real impact of process parameters and the evaluation of the influence of combined various processing parameters on electrospun fiber were undertaken. The results analysis demonstrates that two combined parameters based investigation can help provide insight into how to control and improve the design of the electrospinning process. The fiber diameter and its distribution can be effectively minimized either by controlling the processing parameters to a certain level. The nonlinearity relationship existing between electrospinning process parameters and nanofiber diameter and its distribution has been illustrated. It has also been observed that electric field plays a crucial role in the successful free surface electrospinning.