Fabrication of dual-functional composite yarns with a nanofibrous envelope using high throughput AC needleless and collectorless electrospinning

Abstract

Nanotechnologies allow the production of yarns containing nanofibres for use in composites, membranes and biomedical materials. Composite yarns with a conventional thread core for mechanical strength and a nanofibrous envelope for functionality, e.g. biological, catalytic, have many advantages. Until now, the production of such yarns has been technologically difficult. Here, we show an approach to composite yarn production whereby a plume of nanofibers generated by high throughput AC needleless and collectorless electrospinning is wound around a classic thread. In the resulting yarn, nanofibres can form up to 80% of its weight. Our yarn production speed was 10 m/min; testing showed this can be increased to 60 m/min. After the yarn was embedded into knitwear, scanning electron microscope images revealed an intact nanofibrous envelope of the composite yarn. Our results indicate that this production method could lead to the widespread production and use of composite nanofibrous yarns on an industrial scale.

Emerging Developments in the Use of Electrospun Fibers and Membranes for Protective Clothing Applications

“…Their results show great potential of using electrospun yarns for producing protective fabrics. Similarly, Valtera et al [15] produced composite yarns using electrospinning and used these yarns to manufacture protective fabrics. In their study, a needleless spinneret connected to an AC source is used to generate a plume of nanofibers.…”

Electrospray: More than just an ionization source

“…4D, right). Other special collectors enable the production of yarns [126], tubes [127], or fluffy structures [128]. Interestingly, fibers can be deposited on various 3D objects as well (e.g., acetabular cups [129] or stents [130]).…”

Nanofibrous TiO2produced using alternating field electrospinning of titanium alkoxide precursors: crystallization and phase development

“…The generated ow of precursor bers propagated upward due to the "ionic wind" phenomena. 40,46 The generation of brous ows was recorded at up to 900 fps using a Sony DSC-RX10M2 camera. The bers were collected on a PTFE plastic mesh placed $50 cm above the electrode at an ambient temperature of 21 C and relative humidity of 42%.…”

“…39 This unique attribute of AFES processing allows good exibility in the precursor bers collection and handling. 40 Thus far, AFES has been successfully employed in the fabrication of several inorganic brous materials including amorphous silica, 41 alumina, 42 and zirconia 43 nanobers.…”