We demonstrate an easily-implemented geometry (fluid on a flat plate or within a sharp-edged bowl) for scale-up electrospinning and produce high quality nanofibers from unconfined polymer fluids (both solution and melt). We show that for electrospinning in general, both the electric field gradient and the electric field amplitude are critical parameters for successful self-initiated jetting.  Further, strategies to maximize effective spinning sites (including a dual voltage hysteretic regime and high ionic conductivity solutions) are addressed.  Considering a single spinning site, these edge-electrospinning configurations result in the same or a higher fabrication rate as traditional needle electrospinning, while producing nanofibers similar in quality (diameter, diameter distribution, and collected mat porosity); moreover, this novel geometry operates without the possibility of clogging and has high potential for scale-up.  We analyze the fundamental physical processes which underlie jet formation and determine feed rate, focusing on the interaction between the electric field and solution properties and the resultant changes to the linear and whipping regions, and thus to the fiber diameter. We also demonstrate that commercial polyethylene polymers can be readily melt electrospun to produce fibers with diameters on the micron scale using the same apparatus.

Unconfined fluid, needleless electrospinning for scale-up production of high quality nanofibers

247th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.