Optimization of electrospinning process parameters using Box-Behnken design for Nylon-6 nanofibers fabrication

Abstract

In this research, the Box-Behnken (BBD) experimental design was utilized to optimize the process parameters involved in the electrospinning technique to produce Nylon-6 nanofibers. To optimize the fabrication of Nylon-6 nanofibers, process parameters, including solution concentration, working voltage, and flow rate, were varied across three levels of values, with a total of 15 experiments conducted. The study employed a Nylon-6 solution as the precursor, with three different concentrations of 14 wt%, 16 wt%, and 18 wt%. The working voltage was varied between 15.5 kV, 17.5 kV, and 19.5 kV, while the flow rate was adjusted to 0.5 mL/h, 0.75 mL/h, and 1 mL/h. The morphology of the Nylon-6 nanofibers and their average diameter were respectively examined using an optical microscope and ImageJ software. The results obtained using the Box-Behnken experimental design were analyzed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimization analysis revealed that the solution concentration was the most significant factor that affected the diameter of the Nylon-6 nanofibers. Based on the optimization results, the minimum nanofiber diameter was achieved at a solution concentration of 14 wt%, a working voltage of 19.5 kV, and a flow rate of 1 mL/h.