Characterization and Finite Element Analysis of the Tensile Behavior of Electrospun Polymer Single Fibers

Abstract

In this paper, polymer single fibers are prepared by electro‐spinning technology with different solvent rations, and the micromechanics properties are investigated together with the finite element analysis. It is found that the tensile stress–strain curves of single fibers can be attributed to two kinds of trends, which are independent of the solvent ratios. A possible arrangement model of polymer chains within the electrospun fibers is proposed according to the tensile stress–strain curves and the mechanics theories. The effect of polymer chains arrangement on the mechanical properties of the fibers is explored by the finite element analysis. This research shows a practical reference to predict the relationship between orientation degree of polymer chains and mechanical properties within the fibers.

Parametric Finite Element Model and Mechanical Characterisation of Electrospun Materials for Biomedical Applications

“…Existing models of electrospun structures propose 2D solutions [41,42,44,56] or consist of separate two-dimensional layers [45,46]. We propose that the nature of interpenetrating layers resulting from the electrospinning process should be assessed with a 3D approach to account for interlayer interactions between fibres.…”

“…While multiple studies have reported FE models of scaffolds produced by various techniques, there are limited publications on modelling three-dimensional mats made by electrospinning [ 41 , 42 ]. Yin and Xiong presented a parametric microscopical FE model of electrospun mat consisting of single nanofibres assuming that a single layer yields results comparable to the entire structure [ 43 ].…”