Abstract
Background: Electrospinning is a technique for producing nanofibers, useful in many fields of nanotechnology. The size and morphology of the nanofibers obtained depends on the polymer solution properties, the parameters of the equipment and the conditions of the surrounding. In almost all reported electrospinning set ups, a pump ,which regulates the flow of the polymer solution, has been included as one of the requirements. In this study, the effects of solution concentration, viscosity, voltage and the distance from the tip of the syringe to the aluminum collector on the morphology and diameters of poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA) fibers were investigated, using a pump-free electrospinning set up. Methods: Varied PMMA concentration (50 -120 mg/mL), voltage (10-18 kV) and distance (5 – 18 cm) of electrospinning were studied and the optimum electrospinning conditions identified. PMMA/ titanium isopropoxide solution of ratio 1:2 was prepared, electrospun at optimized conditions (15 kV, 18 cm, Dichloromethane/Dimethylformamide 60:40) and the fibers obtained analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. Results: Solutions of PMMA whose concentrations were less than 50 mg/mL, produced beads on fibers, whereas those at ~ 100 mg/mL formed the best bead-free fibers of diameter 350±50 nm. The results showed a direct dependence of fiber diameter on the solution viscosity. Fibers of larger diameters were obtained when the distance from the tip of the syringe to the aluminum collector and voltage were increased but at higher distances (>18 kV) fewer fibers were collected. When the voltage was steadily increased, the fibers broadened and the diameters were non-uniform due to splaying and splitting. Increasing the distance between the pipette-tip and the collector from 10 to 18 cm resulted in reduced electric field which in turn yielded fewer fibers. Conclusions: The results obtained in a pump free set-up were comparable to those eletrospun in the presence of a pump.
Highlights
The technique of electrospinning was first described in a 1930 patent by Formhals Anton
At a critical electrical potential, a thin jet is produced from the charged polymer fluid at the tip of a pipette or syringe needle
They noted that the concentration and molecular weight of a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) has a direct effect on the viscosity and surface tension of the resulting solution
Summary
The technique of electrospinning was first described in a 1930 patent by Formhals Anton It is a non-mechanized, electrostatic process that produces fibers that range from nanometers to micrometers from electrically driven jets of polymer solution or melt. Several factors favor the choice of PMMA over the wide range of polymers available, including: high mechanical strength, low moisture and water absorbing capacity, good dielectric properties, thermal stability, non-toxicity, and solubility in most solutions. Koysuren & Koysuren (2016) reported that voltage, viscosity, surface tension and concentration of polymers influence the nature of fibers obtained They noted that the concentration and molecular weight of a PMMA has a direct effect on the viscosity and surface tension of the resulting solution. Available copper wire was used as an electrode and glass pipette as a syringe
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