Study of Nanofiber Formation by Injecting Polymeric Solutions Inside Intense Electric Fields Using Different Electrode Configurations

Abstract

Electrospinning has been considered a straightforward way of producing nanofibers. In this work we are analyzing non-conventional approaches of the electrospinning process to better understand and explore the effect of electrostatic interactions. The processes we are investigating include the insertion of polymer inside the electric field keeping the capillary for polymer injection at a floating potential. Also, we are investigating different electrode configurations including: same as electrospinning (with and without polarization of the capillary for polymer injection), parallel macro electrodes and, microelectrodes (with tip to tip alignment). Image analysis reveals the occurrence of instabilities/oscillations of the polymer flow (caused by redistribution of charges). Improvement of polymer flow directionality and fiber diameter reduction are observed in comparison with conventional electrospinning. Fiber orientation can be obtained using parallel macro electrodes and micro electrodes.