TY - JOUR
T1 - Heat’s Role in Solution Electrospinning
T2 - A Novel Approach to Nanofiber Structure Optimization
AU - Wildy, Michael
AU - Wei, Wanying
AU - Xu, Kai
AU - Schossig, John
AU - Hu, Xiao
AU - Hyun, Dong Choon
AU - Chen, Wenshuai
AU - Zhang, Cheng
AU - Lu, Ping
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.
PY - 2024/4/16
Y1 - 2024/4/16
N2 - In this study, we explored an innovative application of heat-assisted solution electrospinning, a technique that significantly advances the control of phase separation in polystyrene (PS) fibers. Our experimental approach involved the use of direct heating and a convection air sheath applied through a coaxial needle, focusing on solvents with varying vapor pressures. This method enabled a detailed investigation into how solvent evaporation rates affect the morphology of the electrospun fibers. SEM and AFM measurements revealed that the application of direct heating and a heated air sheath offered precise control over the fiber morphology, significantly influencing both the surface and internal structure of the fibers. Additionally, we observed notable changes in fiber diameter, indicating that heat-assisted electrospinning can be effectively utilized to tailor fiber dimensions according to specific application requirements. Moreover, our research demonstrated the critical role of solvent properties, particularly vapor pressure, in determining the final characteristics of the electrospun fibers. By comparing fibers produced with different solvents, we gained insights into the complex interplay between solvent dynamics and heat application in fiber formation. The implications of these findings are far-reaching, offering new possibilities for the fabrication of nanofibers with customized properties. Furthermore, this could have profound impacts on various applications, from biomedical to environmental, where specific fiber characteristics are crucial. This study not only contributes to the understanding of phase separation in electrospinning but also opens avenues for further research on the optimization of fiber properties for diverse industrial and scientific applications.
AB - In this study, we explored an innovative application of heat-assisted solution electrospinning, a technique that significantly advances the control of phase separation in polystyrene (PS) fibers. Our experimental approach involved the use of direct heating and a convection air sheath applied through a coaxial needle, focusing on solvents with varying vapor pressures. This method enabled a detailed investigation into how solvent evaporation rates affect the morphology of the electrospun fibers. SEM and AFM measurements revealed that the application of direct heating and a heated air sheath offered precise control over the fiber morphology, significantly influencing both the surface and internal structure of the fibers. Additionally, we observed notable changes in fiber diameter, indicating that heat-assisted electrospinning can be effectively utilized to tailor fiber dimensions according to specific application requirements. Moreover, our research demonstrated the critical role of solvent properties, particularly vapor pressure, in determining the final characteristics of the electrospun fibers. By comparing fibers produced with different solvents, we gained insights into the complex interplay between solvent dynamics and heat application in fiber formation. The implications of these findings are far-reaching, offering new possibilities for the fabrication of nanofibers with customized properties. Furthermore, this could have profound impacts on various applications, from biomedical to environmental, where specific fiber characteristics are crucial. This study not only contributes to the understanding of phase separation in electrospinning but also opens avenues for further research on the optimization of fiber properties for diverse industrial and scientific applications.
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U2 - 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03919
DO - 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03919
M3 - Article
C2 - 38569012
SN - 0743-7463
VL - 40
SP - 7982
EP - 7991
JO - Langmuir
JF - Langmuir
IS - 15
ER -