Electrospinning Polymer Nanofibers with Controlled Diameters

Rapidly growing needs for large-scale industrial production of polymer nanofibers produced by electrospinning require better control of electrospinning. In this paper, the capability of electrospinning polymer nanofibers with desired diameter and morphology was demonstrated. Concentration of the polymer solution, together with electrical conductivity and surface tension of the polymer solution, were adjusted to control the diameter and morphology of electrospun nanofiber. Nanofibers of polyacrylonitrile and polyvinylidene fluoride were successfully electrospun, with average diameters in the range from 100 to 400 nm. Real-time optical and electrical observations of electrospinning phenomena and adjustments of experimental variables in an electrospinning process contribute to a feedback system for online controlled electrospinning, which requires a multidisciplinary approach including chemistry, electrical engineering, and material science.