Analysis of Formation and Characterization of Electrospun Fibers of Carboxymethyl Cellulose/Poly (vinyl alcohol) Polymer Solution

Abstract

Electrospinning is widely recognized as an efficient method for producing continuous nanoscale fibers by overcoming the surface tension of polymer solutions through repulsive forces. Cellulose, a naturally derived, non-toxic, and biodegradable material, has gained attention as an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based materials. The characteristics of the electrospinning solution, such as concentration, viscosity, and surface tension, significantly influence the formation and morphology of electrospun nanofibers (ECNFs). Therefore, controlling the properties of the solution is crucial for producing the desired fiber morphology. In this study, we prepared electrospinning solutions using a mixture of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a water-soluble cellulose derivative, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) at various concentrations. The solutions were characterized by measuring their shear viscosity, surface tension, and conductivity. With increasing polymer concentration, viscosity, surface tension, and conductivity showed an upward trend. Additionally, the viscosity exhibited a decreasing trend with increasing spindle speed, rpm. The results were correlated with the diameter of the resulting ECNFs.