Electrospinning onto Insulating Substrates by Controlling Surface Wettability and Humidity

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Surface Engineering

Background:

• Electrospinning is a versatile technique for creating polymer nanofibers.
• Controlling the deposition of electrospun fibers onto insulating substrates remains a challenge.
• Surface properties significantly influence polymer-fiber interactions and deposition patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple and effective method for patterning electrospun polymer fibers on flexible, insulating substrates.
• To investigate the use of surface wettability for controlling electrospun fiber deposition.
• To explore direct writing capabilities using near-field electrospinning.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing controlled surface wettability of polymer substrates.
• Adsorbing water molecules onto hydrophilic substrate surfaces by increasing local humidity.
• Employing the adsorbed water layer as a ground electrode for electrospinning.
• Implementing near-field electrospinning for direct writing applications.

Main Results:

• Successful electrospinning of polymer fibers onto flexible, insulating substrates.
• Patterned deposition of electrospun fibers achieved by controlling substrate wettability.
• Demonstration of direct writing of polymer fibers onto hydrophilic surfaces.
• Water molecules adsorbed on hydrophilic surfaces effectively served as a ground electrode.

Conclusions:

• Surface wettability control offers a simple and effective strategy for patterning electrospun polymer fibers.
• The presented method enables precise deposition of fibers on flexible substrates without complex electrode setups.
• This technique opens possibilities for fabricating complex polymer microstructures and functional devices through direct writing.