Product Innovations from Electrospun Nanofibers

Abstract

The article reviews some significant research trends in the development of innovative products from electrospun nanofibers. In one area of investigation, high surface area poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/tea polyphenols (TPs) porous composite nanofiber membranes (CNFMs) were prepared successfully by electrospinning and applied to adsorption of silver ions. In another area of research electrospun PVA/SiO2 separator membranes were presented and their electrochemical performance was evaluated for use in Li-ion batteries. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was used to prepare nanofiber based membranes due to advantages such as low cost, water solubility, and biodegradability. In yet another work, a mixture of formic acid (FA), acetic acid (AA), and acetone was used, for the first time, as a ternary solvent system to dissolve poly(E-caprolactone) (PCL). In addition, as a biomaterial reinforcement, various amounts of cellulose microfibrils (CMF) (1.5, 3, and 5wt. %), extracted from rice husk, were added to PCL solution, and subsequently the prepared suspensions were individually electrospun.