Qualitative Analysis of the Effect of Polymer Solution and Suspension Properties on the Electrospinning of Nanocomposite Fibers

Abstract

Nanocomposite fibers produced via electrospinning have very large surface area by virtue of their nanometer diameter sizes thereby making them very attractive for various applications such as for adsorption of contaminants from wastewater. In this study, a highly adsorbing nanoparticle, iron-modified montmorillonite was used as filler in the nanocomposite. The effects of polymer solution and suspension properties such as polymer concentration, clay loading, and filler type on the electrospinning of the nanocomposite were investigated using a 2k factorial design of experiment. The types of montmorillonite used were zero valent iron-MMT (ZVIMMT) and iron (III)-MMT (FeMMT). It was found from the SEM images that finer fibers were generated from suspensions with lower polymer concentration in the solution specifically at 5 wt% and from suspensions with ZVIMMT particles as filler. However, a common defect in nanofibers called beads was also observed in the fibers produced from 5 wt% polymer concentration. TEM micrographs confirmed that the ZVIMMT fibers have smaller diameter than the FeMMT fibers. In addition, it was recognized that the layered structure of the clay is still intact after the electrospinning process. The XRD pattern of the fibers revealed that the clay particles were intercalated with the polymer molecules based on the calculated d-spacing. Furthermore, elemental analysis on the bead and string regions of the electrospun fibers confirmed the presence of polymer and montmorillonite particles in both regions.

Comparative studies of porous carbon nanofibers by various activation methods

“…The advantages of ACNF are smaller fiber diameter (which minimizes diffusion limitations and allows rapid adsorption and desorption), more concentrated pore size distribution, and excellent adsorption capacity at low concentrations, in comparison with conventional activated granular or powdered carbons [6]. Typically, an ACNF is a microporous carbonaceous adsorbent exhibiting slit-shaped pores.…”

Effect of Processing Parameters on the Diameter and Morphology of Electrospun Iron-Modified Montmorillonite (Fe-MMT)/Polycaprolactone Nanofibers

“…To provide ease of handling and easier separation from wastewater, the immobilization of the clay particle in a polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber matrix through electrospinning was previously studied. Araño et al (2013) researched on the effect of solution properties such as viscosity and polymer-solvent-clay ratio on fiber diameter and bead formation [6]. Somera et al (2019) and Dela Peña et al (2012) showed the effectivity of the Fe-MMT/PCL nanofiber mat in adsorbing Hg (II) and As (V) ions, respectively [2,7].…”

“…Araño et al (2013) researched on the effect of solution properties such as viscosity and polymer-solvent-clay ratio on fiber diameter and bead formation [6]. Somera et al (2019) and Dela Peña et al (2012) showed the effectivity of the Fe-MMT/PCL nanofiber mat in adsorbing Hg (II) and As (V) ions, respectively [2,7]. There has been no studies on the effect of processing parameters such as voltage, suspension flow rate, tip-to-collector distance (TCD), and needle diameter on the particular polymer-solvent-filler system.…”

A review of evolution of electrospun tissue engineering scaffold: From two dimensions to three dimensions

“…The parameters involved in the development of TE scaffolds using electrospinning process can be divided into two main categories: materials aspect and machine parameters. In terms of materials, many researchers have studied solution parameters such as concentration of solution, 41–61 concentration of fillers or additives, 41,46,48,55,62 solvent ratio, 43,48,52,57,63 conductivity, 42,53 and volatility of solution. 42 The second category, process parameters, was also analyzed by many researchers in terms of applied voltage, 42–44,46,47,49–60,62,64 needle diameter, 43,46,62 flow rate, 43,44,46,47,50,51,53,…”

“…42 The second category, process parameters, was also analyzed by many researchers in terms of applied voltage, 42–44,46,47,49–60,62,64 needle diameter, 43,46,62 flow rate, 43,44,46,47,50,51,53,55,56,62,64 rotational speed, 46,64 tip to collector distance 42,44,46–52,54,56,62,64 , and spinning time. 43 The mentioned parameters were varied to investigate the effect toward several responses such as fiber diameter, 41,43,46–55,57–60,…”