Influence of rotor structure and process parameters on polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibers produced through centrifugal

Abstract

The application of new tools and equipment in conventional spinning has increased with the advancements in operations, handling and optimal yarn production. For example, in the centrifugal electrospinning process (CESP), the rotor is assembled for its high-speed production. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to introduce a new rotor design with a triangular groove structure and to investigate its influence on the fast industrial manufacturing of polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibers. In addition, electric voltage (45 kV, 55 kV, 65 kV), concentrations of the spinning solution of PEO polymer (6 wt. %, 7 wt. % and 8 wt. %) and the flow rate of the spinning solution were analysed at different levels (45 ml/h, 55 ml/h, 65 ml/h). The subsequent PEO nanofibers were characterized through a scanning electron microscope (FESEM). It was observed that the diameter of PEO nanofibers changed with the variation in voltage, concentration and flow rate. The results revealed the best and uniform fibre diameter dimension at 65 kV, with an 8 wt.% solution concentration and flow rate of 55 ml/h. The outcomes also implied that the proposed triangular groove rotor was an efficient approach for the improvement in the nano fibres with its high uniformity as compared to the conventional structure (rectangular rotor structure).