No abstract

No abstract

A simple process for batch or continuous formation of polymer nanofibers and other nanomaterials in the bulk of a sheared fluid medium is introduced. The process may be of high value to commercial nanotechnology, as it can be easily scaled up to the fabrication of staple nanofibers at rates that may exceed tens of kilograms per hour.

The electrospinnability of polyethylene oxide (PEO) was manipulated by atmospheric plasma treatment of pre-electrospinning solutions. Conductivity, viscosity, and surface tension of PEO solutions increased after plasma treatment, and the plasma effect remained longer when the solution concentrate increased. Both untreated and treated solutions were then electrospun, and the morphology of the resultant nanofibers was observed by SEM. Atmospheric plasma treatment improved the electrospinnability of PEO solutions and led to less beads and finer diameter distribution in the resultant nanofibers. Additionally, plasma treatment of the pre-electrospinning solutions affected the crystal structure of resultant nanofibers. These results suggest that atmospheric plasma treatment is a feasible approach to improve the electrospinnability of polymer solutions and can used to control the structure of electrospun nanofibers.

Electrospun nylon 6 fiber mats were deposited on woven 50/50 nylon/cotton fabric with the motive of making them into protective material against submicron-level aerosol chemical and biological threats. Polymer solution concentration, electrospinning voltage, and deposition areal densities were varied to establish the relationships of processing-structure-filtration efficiency of electrospun fiber mats. A high barrier efficiency of greater than 99.5% was achieved on electrospun fiber mats without sacrificing air permeability and pressure drop.