Development of polyvinyl acetate thin films by electrospinning for sensor applications

Abstract

Electrospinning is an effective process for synthesis of polymer fibers with diameters ranging between nanometers and micrometers by employing electrostatic force developed due to application of high voltage. The present work aims to develop an electrospinning system and optimize the process parameters for synthesis of Polyvinyl Acetate thin films used for gas and humidity sensors. Taguchi's Design of Experiment was adopted considering three main factors at three different levels for optimization of process parameters. The factors considered were flow rate (0.5, 0.6 and 0.7 ml/h), voltage (18, 19 and 20 kV) and spinneret to collector distance (8, 9, 10 cm) with fiber diameter as the response factor. The main effect plots and interaction plots of the parameters were studied to determine the most influencing parameter. Flow rate was the most significant factor followed by spinneret to collector distance. Least fiber diameter of 24.83 nm was observed at 19 kV, 0.5 ml/h flow rate and 8 cm spinneret to collector distance. SEM images revealed uniform fiber diameter at lower flow rate while bead formation increased monotonically with rise in flow rate.

Hierarchically porous electrospun nanofibrous mats produced from intrinsically microporous fluorinated polyimide for the removal of oils and non-polar solvents

“…This phenomenon has been reported previously, where larger and non-uniform fibers were obtained at high flow rates. 28,29 Hence, a lower flow rate is generally recommended to provide the electrospinning solution with enough time for polarization. In contrast, when the solution flow rate is too high, a periodic dripping of the solution will occur.…”

Dope-Dyeing of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Nanofibres with Remazol Yellow FG

“…It was noticed that the presence of droplets among the deposited fibres would reduce the quality of fibre morphology. The formation of fibre impurities (i.e., splash, droplet) within nanofibre mesh during electrospinning process would consequently lead to gradual deterioration of fibre morphologies [ 35 , 36 , 37 ].…”

Interaction of synthetic and lignin-based sulfonated polymers with hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and charged self-assembled monolayers

“…PVA polymer is used vastly in textile, papermaking, coating industry, 3D printing, optical gas and humidity sensors, emission sensors for vehicles and oral drug delivery, and solar cells. [3][4][5][6][7] PVA, by having a linear structure, 2 has been functionalized with anionic and cationic monomers to improve its adsorption on brous pulp and broaden its application as adhesives and emulsiers. 6,8 Lignin, an abundant phenolic polymer, is one of the alternatives to petroleum feedstocks, 9 which recently attracted tremendous attention and applications.…”

“…The selected SAM surfaces carried distinct terminal functional groups relevant to the surfaces used in different industries, such as surface coatings, mining, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics. 4,7,9 Also, conducting adsorption studies under different saline and pH conditions would reveal the performance of these sulfonate-based polymers on altered surfaces in different environments and the interaction mechanisms of the adsorption processes on the surfaces.…”