Multiple-Jet Needleless Electrospinning Approach via a Linear Flume Spinneret

Abstract

There is a great limitation to improving the quality and productivity of nanofibers through the conventional single-needle method. Using needleless electrospinning technology to generate multiple jets and enhance the productivity of nanofibers has attracted lots of interest for many years. This study develops a novel linear flume spinneret to fabricate nanofibers. Multiple jets with two rows can be formed simultaneously on the surface of the spinneret. The solution concentration has a significant impact on the average nanofiber diameter compared with applied voltage and collection distance. The effects of different spinning process parameters on the productivity of nanofibers are investigated. High-quality nanofibers with small nanofiber diameter and error can be fabricated successfully. The average nanofiber diameter is 108 ± 26 nm. The average error is 24%. The productivity of nanofibers can reach 4.85 ± 0.36 g/h, which is about 24 times more than that of the single-needle method. This novel linear flume spinneret needleless electrospinning technology exhibits huge potential for mass production of nanofibers in the field of industrialization.

Advances in Functional Polymer Nanofibers: From Spinning Fabrication Techniques to Recent Biomedical Applications

“…Nozzleless electrospinning, also known as needleless electrospinning and spinneret-free electrospinning, functions similarly to electrospinning, but in this case, it allows the spontaneous charged jet initiation on a free liquid surface without the use of a nozzle (Figure a,b). , In this case, the spinning jets are self-assembled, and the distance between each spinline self-stabilizes, thus affording the improvement on productivity. Compared with multineedle electrospinning, the nozzleless-free electrospinning presents some advantages that include simple design, robustness against clogging, as well as high throughput. − However, issues associated with this method should be considered such as solvent evaporation from polymer solution bath, water absorption on the reservoir, and solvent ignition due to corona discharge in extreme cases.…”

“…(a) schematic illustration of a nozzleless electrospinning setup, where the shape of spinneret is represented at the top right corner; (b) photograph of the linear flume spinneret spinning process, insert image: a magnified image of multiple jet formation; (c) photograph of the Nanospider NS 8S1600U industrial machine developed by Elmarco Inc. Panel (a) and (b) reprinted with permission from ref . Copyright 2020 MDPI.…”

Colloid Syringeless Electrospinning toward Nonwoven Nanofiber Web Containing a Massive Amount of Inorganic Fillers

“…Recent advances in needleless electrospinning have provided significant advantages in terms of the increment of production rate of nonwoven nanofiber webs. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] We have also recently reported "syringeless electrospinning," which is a modified needleless electrospinning. [21][22][23] In this method, a relatively lower voltage was required compared to usual needleless electrospinning, due to easier mechanism forming Taylor cone.…”

Fabrication of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) Nanofibrous Membranes using Mushroom-Spinneret Needleless Electrospinning

“…Needleless electrospinning has special design of spinneret that can generate multiple jets at a time with simpler operation. The spinneret design is then determine the nanofibers productivity, operating parameters, and obtained fiber properties [15].…”