Manufacturing technologies of polymeric nanofibres and nanofibre yarns

Abstract

In the textile industry, although there are several methods for obtaining sub-micro-or nanofibres, electrospinning perhaps is the most versatile process. Electrospinning has been recognized as a feasible technique for the fabrication of continuous polymeric nanofibre yarns desired in the textile industry. Various materials including polymers, composites, ceramics and metals have been successfully electrospun into nanofibres in recent years mostly in solution and some in the melt. Potential applications based on electrospun nanofibres as a new-generation material in the textile industry will be realized if suitable nanofibre yarns become available to textile processes like weaving, knitting and embroidery. In this review, we present, from a textile viewpoint, a comprehensive overview of processing technologies of polymeric nanofibres in the textile industry; however, the emphasis here is focused on electrospinning. In particular, we choose to concentrate on a detailed account of research activities on the yarns and fabrics composed of electrospun nanofibres. Our discussion is concluded with some personal perspectives on the future challenges for the development and optimization of yarns based on electrospun nanofibres.

Non-woven nanofiber chitosan/peo membranes obtained by electrospinning

“…Among the different technologies that have been applied to obtain nanofibers, the electrospinning technique is highlighted, since it is a low-cost and versatile technique that allows fiber preparation in the nanometer and submicrometer ranges (Zhou and Gong, 2008). This method was successfully applied in a great variety of polymeric systems, in which nanofibers with different sizes and morphologies were reported .…”

“…Therefore, variables such as solution concentration, viscosity, electrical conductivity and surface tension should be established to guarantee a successful operation. Additionally, process parameters such as electric field intensity, flow rate, distance between the capillary and the collector, fiber-collection method, temperature and humidity should be established (Huang et al, 2003;Ramakrishna et al, 2005;Li et al, 2005;Zhou and Gong, 2008;Jayakumar et al, 2010).…”

Literature review on superhydrophobic self‐cleaning surfaces produced by electrospinning

“…There are several technologies widely used in the textile industry to produce fibers with diameter in a submicron and nano ranges, including splitting bi-component fibers or dissolving one of its components, melt-blowing and electrospinning. 32 The first two techniques enable fibers with diameters of 250-300 nm to be prepared at high production rates. However, only thermoplastic polymers can be used as raw materials in these techniques.…”

Mechanical Properties of Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Nanofiber Filaments Prepared by Electrospinning and Twisting

“…However, there are some drawbacks to mass production of nanofiber filaments. 13 Stable and continuous spinnability and appropriate mechanical properties of nanofiber filaments are very important for the textile process. It is, therefore, expected that nanofiber filaments will find applications not only in fields where traditional yarns are being used but also in high-valueadded applications, such as filtration media, gas separation, sensors, reinforced materials in composites, and biomedical engineering.…”