Optimization of Process Parameters of Wet-Spun Solid PVDF fibers for Maximizing the Tensile Strength and Applied Force at Break and Minimizing the Elongation at Break using the Taguchi Method

Abstract

PVDF polymer is well known with its high strength, toughness and piezoelectric properties. It is commonly used in film form for sensor applications, mechanical actuators, energy harvesters, artificial muscles, and membranes. PVDF polymer is also used as hollow fiber membranes in filtration applications, such as nanofiber-web produced using electrospinning and as solid PVDF fiber produced using melt spinning for research purposes. According to a literature study, research on PVDF solid fiber production using wet spinning is limited. This article is about the optimization of the process parameters of wet-spun solid PVDF fibers for maximizing the tensile strength and applied force at break and minimizing the elongation at break using the Taguchi Method. According to the results, the highest applied force at break was achieved when PVDF fiber made from the process parameters of 12 rpm pump speed, 1.5 mm spinneret diameter, 1.0 draw ratio, and 40°C draw temperature. The highest tensile strength was achieved when PVDF fiber was made from the process parameters of 8 rpm pump speed, 1mm spinneret diameter, 2.0 draw ratio, and 40°C draw temperature. The minimum elongation at break was achieved when PVDF fiber was made from the process parameters of 4 rpm pump speed, 1.5 mm spinneret diameter, 2.0 draw ratio, and 25°C draw temperature. These results may prove that process parameters could be used for the further production of the PVDF fibers. Additionally, the Taguchi method was found to be reliable for optimizing the wet spinning of PVDF fibers.