Electrospinning: The concept

Electrospining is a novel technology utilizing electrostatic force to produce nanofibres. It can be used for fibre diameter from 10 μm to 10nm.Electrospinning, though recently highlighted, is not a new process. The process was pateneted by Formhals in 1934. Electrospinning originated from electrostatic spraying. For producing nanofibres Electrospinning is a quite an economical and straightforward option.

Process:

Fig: Schematic of Electrospinning Process

Courtesy: www.che.vt.edu

As demonstrated in the figure the set up of Electrospinning contains apparatus like a Sysringe, Pipette, metering pump, collector screen etc. An electrode is positioned into the spinning solution/melt and the other is attached with a collector. The flow of polymer solution, contained in syringe is generated through by plunging the solution through metering pump. A high voltage electrostatic force is generated between the electrodes. When the fluid reached the open end of pipette it get stretched due to the force and start taking conical shape , which is generally referred to as "Taylor Cone". At a point of time the droplet overcomes surface tension and move towards the collector screen in form of fluid jet. On its way to collector screen the solvent evaporates and fibre of micro diameter are formed. These fibers are accumulated in collector screen.

Advantages and Application:

Electrospinning offers advantages like, control over morphology, porosity and composition using simple equipment. Variety of fibres can be used in the process. Nanofibers with of 40-2000 nm can be produced by selecting suitable combination of polymer and solvent to be used.

Due to its various find application in various fields like filtration products, biomedical applications, and tissue engineering to produce artificial blood vessels, non-woven fabrics, fuel cells, fibre mats etc.