Production of continuous nanofiber bundles by multi parallel electrodes in needleless electrospinning

• Published in: Materials today communications 2024-06, Vol.39, p.109025, Article 109025
• Main Authors: Kılıç, Ali, Yıldırım, Behzat, İçoğlu, Halil İbrahim, Türkoğlu, Melike, Topalbekiroğlu, Mehmet
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alignment; COMSOL analysis; Continuous nanofibers; Multi parallel electrodes; Needleless electrospinning
• ISSN: 2352-4928; 2352-4928
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2024.109025

This study explores the collection of nanofiber bundles on a conveyor belt for continuous production, contrasting with previous studies that focused on the production of limited-length nanofibers directly on electrodes. The research focuses on examining how the plate width and the gap distance within a conveyor system influence the alignment and morphology of the nanofibers. To fully understand these effects, the designs of multi parallel electrodes were analyzed using COMSOL Multiphysics. This analysis focused on determining the electric field strength, the electrical potential, and the vectors of the electric field within these systems. Additionally, the study delved into the alignment and morphology of the polyacrylonitrile nanofibers, employing a field emission scanning electron microscope for detailed observation. The findings revealed that both the width of the plates and the gap distance critically impacted the alignment and nanofiber morphology. The optimal alignment and uniformity of nanofibers were achieved at specific plate widths and gap distances, demonstrating the intricate relationship between these parameters and nanofiber characteristics. [Display omitted] •Production of parallel aligned nanofiber bundle of unlimited length by conveyor belt.•The effects of parallel electrodes on electrospinning were analyzed using COMSOL.•Multi parallel electrodes were optimized for the continuous alignment of nanofibers.•The highest alignment was achieved at 15 mm plate width and 40 mm gap distance.•Nanofiber diameter change varied on parallel and random areas.