Electrospinning: A study in the formation of nanofibers

Electrospinning is a technique to produce nanofibers more efficiently. In electrospinning, electricity spins fibers by extracting the polymer from the solvent and stretching it, all in one continuous electric field. Basics of electrospinning are discussed in sequence from simple homogenous fibers through a single nozzle to heterogeneous core-shell fibers from double, concentric nozzles. Experimental set-up is described and the effect of different variables in the process of electrospinning on nanofiber quality is illustrated. Formation of carbon nanotube fibers with porous walls from polyethylene oxide/polyacrylnitrile (PEO/PAN) core-shell fibers is the definitive objective. Zipped LaTex file