Xuri Yan

Slit-Surface Electrospinning: A Novel Process Developed for High-Throughput Fabrication of Core-Sheath Fibers

In this work, we report on the development of slit-surface electrospinning – a process that co-localizes two solutions along a slit surface to spontaneously emit multiple core-sheath cone-jets at rates of up to 1 L/h. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that production of electrospun core-sheath fibers has been scaled to this magnitude. Fibers produced in this study were defect-free (i.e. non-beaded) and core-sheath geometry was visually confirmed under scanning electron microscopy. The versatility of our system was demonstrated by fabrication of (1) fibers encapsulating a drug, (2) bicomponent fibers, (3) hollow fibers, and (4) fibers from a polymer that is not normally electrospinnable. Additionally, we demonstrate control of the process by modulating parameters such as flow rate, solution viscosity, and fixture design. The technological achievements demonstrated in this work significantly advance core-sheath electrospinning towards commercial and manufacturing viability.

Process Dynamics and Control Analysis for Electrospinning Nanofibers

In many emerging, high value electrospinning applications, the diameter distribution of electrospun fibers has important implications for the product’s performance and process reproducibility. However, the current state-of-the-art electrospinning process results in diameter distribution variations, both during a run and run-to-run. To address these problems, a vision-based, open loop system has been developed to better understand the process dynamics. The effects of process parameters on fiber diameter distributions are investigated, process dynamics are identified, and the relation between measurable variables and the resulting fiber diameter distribution is analyzed.Copyright

Electrospinning of nanofibers: Characterization of jet dynamics and humidity effects

ABSTRACT Electrospinning is a method to produce submicron polymer fibers for a wide range of applications. In many applications, the average electrospun fiber size and uniformity are important for the products performance and process economics. Thus, it is desirable for electrospinning to achieve consistent and controllable fiber diameters. However, the current state-of-the-art electrospinning process can result in variable fiber diameters, both run-to-run and during a run. This paper investigates how the operating regime as well as several important process factors affect fiber diameter using a vision-based system. For aqueous polyethylene oxide (PEO) solutions, it is found that the relative humidity has a strong effect on fiber diameter. Correlations between measurable parameters and fiber diameter are also developed to provide the ability to achieve the desired fiber diameters. The jet dynamics are experimentally identified through step response for development of appropriate control strategies.

Analysis of Electrospinning Nanofibers: Diameter Distribution, Process Dynamics, and Control

Electrospinning is a method of producing nanometer scale fibers by accelerating a jet of charged polymer solution in an electric field. In many emerging, high value electrospinning applications, such as the biomedical area, the diameter distribution of electrospun polymeric nanofibers has important implications for the product’s performance and process economics (in terms of yield and production rate). However, the current state-of-the-art electrospinning process results in unpredictable and time varying diameter distributions, both during a run and run-to-run. Thus, this work is focused on developing an appropriate control system to achieve consistent and controllable fiber diameters. Another goal of this work is to develop a better understanding of the relation between process physics and the resulting fiber diameter characteristics. To address these problems, a well instrumented and computer based actuator control system has been developed. The effects of process parameters on fiber diameter are investigated for achieving consistent and repeatable process capability. The fundamental process dynamics are identified and the relation between measurable variables and the resulting fiber diameter distribution is analyzed. This relation provides the basis of developing appropriate control strategies in order to reduce both the process variations from run-to-run and during a run.Copyright

Characterization of Electrospinning Fiber Diameter Distributions and Process Dynamics for Development of Real-Time Control

An integrated data acquisition/actuator control system is developed to conduct experiments investigating the fundamental dynamics for different operating conditions in an electrospinning system. The relation between measured variables (fiber current, whipping angle, jet length, and expulsion cone volume) to the resulting fiber diameter distribution is analyzed.