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Electrospinning Fundamentals: Optimizing Solution and Apparatus Parameters
Published on: January 21, 2011
A nonlinear system model for electrospinning sub-100 nm polyacrylonitrile fibres
M A Costolo1, J D Lennhoff, R Pawle
1Physical Sciences Incorporated, 20 New England Business Center, Andover, MA 01810-1077, USA.
Nanotechnology
|August 6, 2011
Summary
Researchers used a neural network to analyze polyacrylonitrile fiber diameter during electrospinning. Flow rate significantly impacts fiber size, but achieving sub-25 nm fibers requires advanced techniques and precise environmental control.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Electrospinning is a versatile technique for producing polymer nanofibers.
- Controlling polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber diameter is crucial for various applications.
- Existing models often struggle to predict nanofiber diameter across a wide range of process parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between electrospinning process parameters and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber diameter.
- To develop a predictive model for controlling PAN nanofiber size.
- To identify conditions for producing ultra-fine PAN fibers (sub-25 nm).
Main Methods:
- Electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solutions across a spectrum of process parameters.
- Utilizing a nonlinear neural network system model to analyze parameter-diameter relationships.
- Simulating electrospinning conditions to target specific fiber diameters (40-60 nm).
Main Results:
- Fiber diameters ranging from 10 to 320 nm were achieved.
- The neural network model identified flow rate as the most critical parameter influencing fiber diameter.
- The model successfully simulated conditions for producing 40-60 nm fibers.
- Achieving sub-25 nm fibers was not possible under the tested conditions.
Conclusions:
- Flow rate is the primary determinant of PAN fiber diameter in electrospinning.
- Producing sub-25 nm PAN fibers necessitates stringent control over ambient temperature and relative humidity.
- Significant modifications to the electrospinning apparatus, such as advanced field control or altered carrier gases, may be required for ultra-fine fiber generation.
