Control of electrospun mat width through the use of parallel auxiliary electrodes

• Published in: Polymer (Guilford) 2007-09, Vol.48 (19), p.5653-5661
• Main Authors: Wu, Yiquan, Carnell, Lisa A., Clark, Robert L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aligned fiber; Applied sciences; Electrospinning; Exact sciences and technology; Machinery and processing; Plastics; Poly(ɛ-caprolactone); Polymer industry, paints, wood; Spinning; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 0032-3861; 1873-2291
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2007.07.023

Electrospinning offers a versatile way to produce one-dimensional micrometer or nanometer materials; however, electrospun fibers are typically collected in a random orientation limiting their applications. In the present study, we have expanded upon a technique used to align fibers for control of the fiber distribution during the spinning process through the use of auxiliary counter electrodes. The electrostatic force imposed by the auxiliary electrodes provides a converged electric field, which affords control over the distribution of the fibers on the rotating collector surface. Experimental results demonstrate that the width of electrospun mats can be decreased dramatically when parallel auxiliary electrodes are employed at the collector. There was no apparent difference in the average diameters of the electrospun fibers as a result of the additional auxiliary electrodes, but the fiber distribution density in terms of mat width was greatly improved. Thus, the use of auxiliary counter electrodes at the rotating collectors provides a viable method of converging and controlling the deposition of electrospun fibers.