Abstract
The ability to generate core–sheath bicomponent polymer nanofibers in a single-step with scale-up possibilities is demonstrated using pressurised gyration manufacturing. This is the first time that nanofiber containing more than one polymer having a core–sheath configuration has been generated in this way. Water-soluble polymers polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) are used as the core and sheath layers, respectively. Core–sheath nanofibers with a diameter in the range of 331 to 998 nm were spun using 15 wt % PEO and 15 wt % PVP polymer solutions. The forming parameters, working pressure and rotating speed, had a significant influence on the size, size distribution and the surface morphology of the nanofibers generated. Overall, fibre size decreased with increasing working pressure and rotating speed. The fibre size was normally distributed in all cases, with 0.2 MPa working pressure in particular showing narrower distribution. The fibre size distributions for 0.1 and 0.3 MPa working pressure were broader and a mean fibre size of 331 nm was obtained in the latter case. The fibre size was evenly distributed and narrower for rotating speeds of 2000 and 4000 RPMs. The distribution was broader for rotating speed of 6000 RPM with a mean value obtained at 430 nm. Continuous, smooth and bead-free fibre morphologies were obtained in each case. The fibre cross-section analysis using a focused ion beam machine showed a solid core surrounded by a sheath layer. Our findings demonstrate that the pressurised gyration could be used to produce core–sheath polymer nanofibers reliably and cost-effectively with scale-up possibilities (~4 kg h−1).
Highlights
The applications of polymer nanofibers are boundless and have made a significant breakthrough in regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and electronic devices over two decades [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10]
Core–sheath nanofibers are a variety of polymer nanofibers and comprise of a long continuous inner strand called a core, which is surrounded by an outer layer referred to as the sheath [11]
We report the generation of core–sheath polymer nanofibers with a combination of two water-soluble polymers, polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) by twin-reservoir pressurised gyration
Summary
The applications of polymer nanofibers are boundless and have made a significant breakthrough in regenerative medicine, drug delivery, and electronic devices over two decades [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10]. Many researchers have taken advantage of its versatility and easy to use aspects over many years despite its dependence on high-voltage [20] It is widely claimed as a bed-rock methodology for regenerative medicine to fabricate functional tissue constructs combining scaffolds, signalling molecules, and living cells to repair damaged tissues in tendons, cartilage, bone, nerves, and the heart [21]. The individual polymers (PEO and PVP) have been spun in single material pressirised gyration investigations and shown to generate nanofibers in our previous work [23,31]. These two polymers are chosen for the present investigation based on their viscosities and formability for pressurised gyration to generate core–sheath nanofibers. This study shows how the rotating speed and working pressure influence fibre formation and fibre size
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
