Production of polyvinylidene fluoride nanofibers by free surface electrospinning from wire electrode

Abstract

Electrospinning is the manufacturing technology for production nanoscale fibers from the polymer solution. The technique is operated in an electric field with high voltage electrical potential between two conductive electrodes. A needle is used as the anode in laboratory generally. However, the needle process is low productivity for commercialization. Free surface electrospinning is designed for solving the problem. Component use as electrodes isn’t a needle. In this work represented a needle anode by a wire electrode for increasing mass production. Polymer solution droplets were entrained on a wire and control uniformity of themselves droplet. High voltage potential could be applied between wire and ground plate on the top. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) was used as a precursor to prepared nanofiber. Morphologies of nanofibers were characterized using scanning electron microscope, which informed surface description of the nanofiber. Free surface electrospinning is alternative electrostatic fiber formation technique that can produce the nanofibers thin films continuously. This process convenient for apply in roll to roll process and useful for large scale production.