Droplet-jet shape parameters predict electrospun polymer nanofiber diameter. (2nd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Suqi; Reneker, Darrell H.
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 168(2019)
• Page Start: 155
• Page End: 158
• Publication Date: 2019-04-02
• Subjects: Electrospun polymer nanofiber -- Droplet-jet shape parameters -- Online controlled electrospinning; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2019.01.082
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: Correlations between observable features of the droplet-jet shape and the diameter of electrospun nanofiber were studied. Three shape parameters derived from optical images of the jet transforming from a droplet were identified. They are "L-R curvature", "initial jet diameter", and "transition slope". Nanofiber diameter increased as the observed value of each shape parameter increased. The correlation between "initial jet diameter" and fiber diameter, as well as the correlation between "transition slope" and fiber diameter, were not affected by the variation of voltage or concentration of the polymer solution. "Initial jet diameter" and "transition slope" have potential applications in online controlled electrospinning to predict nanofiber diameter as real-time feedback information to guide the control of electrospun nanofiber diameter. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Three parameters were defined to describe droplet-jet shape in electrospinning. Nanofiber diameter increased as the droplet-jet shape parameters increased in value. Shape parameters are observable and provide real-time information of fiber diameter. The results of this study are useful for online controlled electrospinning.