Study of electrospun polycarbosilane (PCS) nanofibrous web by needle-less technique

Mukesh Kumar Sinha,Anurag Srivastava,Raghwesh Mishra,Ashok Ranjan,Arvind Kumar Saxena,Biswa Ranjan Das

doi:10.1186/s40691-014-0002-9

Abstract

AbstractThis study reports on the various functional characteristics of silicon carbide (SiC) nanofibrous web. The SiC nanofibrous web was spun by the electrospinning technique using Nano Spider (needle-less) machine. The as-spun nanofibrous web was cured to 180°C and subsequently, pyrolized at 1000°C under inert nitrogen (N2) atmosphere to convert into silicon carbide nanofibrous web. The various properties of SiC web is characterized by using FESEM, Thermal Analysis, X-ray Diffraction, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX), Atomic Force Microscopy and Surface Profilomertry. FESEM microphotographs indicated the interconnected fibres leading to pores of prepared SiC Nanofibrous web. Deep rooted fibre surface porosity was revealed by AFM. The thermal behavior of as-spun, cured and pyrolized PCS webs are influenced by the heat treatment at different temperatures. The surface roughness changes with the heat treatment of PCS nanofibrous webs. The pyrolized web carries higher surface roughness as compared to as-spun and cured webs. The EDX plots indicated the presence of C and Si elements in pyrolized PCS nanofibrous web.

Highlights

A brief introduction to the process of electrospinning in the context of technical grade composite nanofibres is presented
The FESEM images revealed that on evaporation of solvent, micro pores are created on fibre surface
The heat treatment has caused two physical changes in the nanofibrous web; solvent get evaporated, which leads to formation of pore and shrinkage in the web, which has resulted in thinner and more irregular fibre web

Summary

Introduction

A brief introduction to the process of electrospinning in the context of technical grade composite nanofibres is presented . This section elaborates a brief review of current and past research activities that focus on the development of ceramic electrospinning and their applications in various areas. Under the influence of an electric field, a pendant droplet of the polymer solution at the spinneret is deformed into a conical shape. Such deformation is dependent on solvent physical properties like good miscibility, low boiling point, low surface tension, high conductivity and low dielectric constant (Salem 2007)

Methods

Results

Conclusion