Optimization of meta-aramid electrospun nanofibers productivity through wire-based electrospinning setup scale up

Abstract

Electrospinning process has been widely used over the past decades for manufacturing nanofibers. The control of the electrospinning parameters is crucial to obtain nanofibers (nonwoven mats) with optimized morphological properties. The aim of this study is to precisely define the electrospinnability of a meta-aramid solution through wire-based electrospinning setup processing. Experiments have been conducted following a design of experiment to study the influence of each parameter. Individual effects and/or combined interactions on obtained fiber diameter and general morphology (mean fiber distribution and nonfibrous area) have been investigated. The five studied process parameters are: applied voltage, relative humidity, temperature, distance between spinning electrode wire and substrate material, and airflow going through the spinning chamber. Each parameter was varied at three levels. Significant effects of parameters have been observed. The obtained results have allowed us to determine the influential factors and reduce the domain study.