Effect of polyvinyl alcohol concentration in spinning dope on diameter, beads and HHS of produced nanofibers

In this study it was aimed to produce nano fibers of poly vinyl alcohol PVA polymer via electrospinning ES method and to investigate the role of PVA concentration in the spinning dope on diameter, beads and HHS of produced fibers. Spinning dopes with different concentrations of PVA at rang of 5 to 20% (wt/wt on weight of solution) prepared. The requisite voltage for ES (30 kv) was supplied by a DC high voltage power supply and for collecting the fibers a grounded aluminum foil target placed 17 cm below the tip of capillary tube (spinning nozzle). The results showed that spinning dopes with PVA concentration between 8 to 12% (wt/wt) are capable of producing PVA fibers, but those below 8% (wt/wt) concentrations because of low viscosity formed droplets known as electrospray effect. Electrospinning suppressed at spinning dope concentrations above 12% (wt/wt) due to high viscosity of dope. According to the SEM photographs of electrospun PVA fibers it revealed that in higher concentrations produced nanofibers have larger diameter with less beads and HHS in compare with lower concentrations.