Control of Jet Flows and their Effects on the Alignment of Electrospun Nanofibers

Abstract

Electrospinning offers a versatile way to produce micrometer or nanometer fibers; however, electrospun fibers are typically collected in a random orientation limiting their applications. In the present study, we used the high speed rotational roller fixed with parallel sticks and an auxiliary electrode at the splitting zone of jet flows to control the fiber orientation. Because of the electrostatic forces acting on the charged fibers spanning the gap between two sticks and tangential force of the rolling collector stretching fibers, together with the electrostatic force imposed by the auxiliary electrodes, the higher aligned fibers could be produced. The simultaneous application of a rotating drum and an auxiliary electrode in the spinning zone may provide a viable method of controlling the alignment of electrospun fibers.