Simplified modeling of the electrospinning process from the stable jet region to the unstable region for predicting the final nanofiber diameter

Abstract

Electrospinning allows the production of ultrafine nanofibers through the stretching of a charged polymer jet with an external electrostatic field. In this study, we derived a simplified and accurate model relating the processing parameters, including the solution volumetric flow rate (Q), the applied electric field (E), and the polymer concentration, to the final fiber diameter. The model takes into consideration the jet behavior starting at the stable region and moving to the bending instability region. We validated the model experimentally by performing the electrospinning process with a polyacrylonitrile/N,N-dimethylformamide solution with different ranges of concentrations (8-11 wt %), Qs (900-1320 lL/h), and Es (88,889-113,889 V/m). The final fiber diameter was measured with scanning electron microscopy. The model predicted the fiber diameter with a relative error of less than 10%. Moreover, a 30% increase in Q resulted in a 15% increase in the fiber diameter, whereas a 30% increase in E resulted in a 14% decrease in the fiber diameter.

Empirical model to simulate morphology of electrospun polycaprolactone mats

“…With regards to NCD, it has generally been reported that increasing the working distance would result in a decrease in the fiber diameter (and so an increase in the mat thickness) . This has also been observed in our simulations [Figure (b)] and can be explained considering the extended time of travel (or solvent evaporation time).…”

“…Note that both the increase and decrease of fiber diameter with voltage have been reported in the literature for certain polymers (e.g., Refs. ).…”

Characterization of Poly(Ethylene Oxide) Nanofibers—Mutual Relations between Mean Diameter of Electrospun Nanofibers and Solution Characteristics

“…The model involving solution viscosity, evaporation rate, and containing specific charge (electric current divided by the spinning throughput) was introduced in [48,49]. A prediction of a final nanofiber diameter published in [50] is based on the model published in [36]. However, the assumptions limit the model to relatively low polymer-solvent concentrations (<12 wt.%).…”

Electrospun waterproof breathable membrane with a high level of aerosol filtration

“…and the electrospinning conditions (the electric potential between the capillary tip and the collector, the distance between the tip and the collector, collecting speed, temperature, humidity, and etc.). A validated mathematical model was recently developed to predict the fiber average diameter based on these electrospinning parameters …”