The electrospinning process

Despite the fact that the electrospinning technique is relatively easy to use, there are a number of process parameters that can greatly affect fiber formation and structure. Listed in order of relative impact to the electrospinning process, the most important parameters are applied voltage, polymer flow rate, and capillary-collector distance. All three parameters can influence the formation of nanofibers with bead-like defects. 

In addition to the process parameters, a number of system parameters play an important role in fiber formation and the obtained structure. System parameters include molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, polymer architecture, and solution properties. Solution properties play a particularly important role. In relation to their impact on the electrospinning process, these factors can be ranked as follows polymer concentration, solvent volatility, and solution conductivity. 

Nanoscaled PCL and PCL/gelatin fibrous scaffolds with immobilized epidermal growth factor (EGF) were prepared for the purpose of wound-healing treatments [80]. The tissue scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning and the parameters that affect the electrospinning process were optimized. In this study, the fiber diameters were 488 114 nm and 663 107 nm for PCL and PCL/gelatin scaffolds, respectively, and the porosities were calculated as 79% for PCL and 68% for... 

The electrospinning process was capable of incorporating the nanoparticles on the surface of the nanowebs. This is clearly evident from the regular pattern of the nodes in the transmission emission micrograph (Figure 8.8) and from the individual MgO nanoparticle embedded on the surface of a PEO nanoflber (Figure 8.9). 

As a major component of the natural extracellular matrix, HA has also attracted considerable attention in electrospinning. However, it is very difficult to electrospin an aqueous HA solution because its unusual high viscosity and surface tension both hinder the electrospinning process. In addition, the... 

The following parameters and processing variables affect the electrospinning process (i) system parameters such as molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and architecture (branched, linear, etc.) of the polymer, and polymer solution properties (viscosity, conductivity, dielectric constant, and surface tension, charge carried by the spinning jet) and (ii) process parameters such as electric potential, flow rate and concentration, distance between the capillary and collection screen, ambient parameters... 

Woerdeman, D.L., et al., 2005. Electrospun fibers from wheat protein investigation of the interplay between molecular structure and the fluid dynamics of the electrospinning process. Biomacromolecules 6 (2), 707—712. 

Nanofibre mats are produced by the electrospinning process as a result of the potential gradient between needle tip and collector. Various polymers have been successfully electrospun into ultrafine fibres mostly from solvent solution and some in melt form... 

The electrospinning process was established in 1934 when the first patent on electrospinning was filed (Formhals, 1934). Nanofibres based on polymeric materials can be produced featuring a wide range of dimensions. The diameter of the fibre can range from 10 up to several hundred nanometres. Electrospinning can be carried out... 

Nanofibers can also be deposited directly on device substrates. Polyaniline being soluble, the electrospinning process has been successfully utilized for the production of polyaniline nanofibers [48]. However, this process cannot be directly employed for producing PPy nanofiber due to the intractability of PPy. 

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