M01-D22, 1
Electrostatic Spinning and Properties of Ultrafine Fibers
G.C. Rutledge, Y. Li, S. Fridrikh
Department of Chemical Engineering
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139
S.B. Warner, V.E. Kalayci, P. Patra
Department of Textile Sciences, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth,
Dartmouth, MA 02747
Abstract
Electrospinning is a process that offers unique capabilities for producing novel synthetic fibers of
unusually small diameter and good mechanical performance (“nanofibers”), and fabrics with
controllable pore structure and high surface area. While the process of electrospinning has been
known for over half a century, current understanding of the process, and those parameters that
influence the properties of the fibers produced, is very limited. In this work, we evaluate the
effects of processing parameters: electric field, flow rate and electric current, and solution
properties, such as conductivity, on the morphology of the fibers formed. In addition, porosity
and pore size distribution have been measured.
Objectives
The objective of this project is the development of the fundamental engineering science and
technology of electrostatic fiber production (“electrospinning”) and the performance of materials
derived therefrom. Begun in May 2001 as the successor to Project M98-D01, this project aims to
achieve the following goals:
• Extend our current understanding of electrohydrodynamics and the development of fluid
instabilities in electrospinning to account for such important effects as mass and heat
transport and polymer viscoelasticity.
• Control fiber diameter through choice of solution properties, operating parameters and
equipment design.
• Evaluate methods for introducing electrostatic charge to solutions and for manipulating local
electric fields along the spin line.
•
Improve productivity of the electrospinning process.
• Develop methods for characterizing both fiber and fabric properties, especially mechanical
properties, molecular orien