Uniform distribution and densification of jets in needleless electrospinning using annular tip nozzle

Abstract

Numerous jets can be generated simultaneously on a nozzle by needleless melt electrospinning technology which has the advantages of solvent-free residues and environmental friendliness; and potential industrial application prospects. In this paper, the linear annular tip nozzle was taken as the research object, and the high-speed image acquisition of the jets generation and distribution process of annular tip nozzle was carried out and compared with that of straightline tip nozzle. The results showed that the repulsive force between the jets caused a slight adjustment in the position of the jets on the free surface, the force between the jets on the annular closed curve canceled each other and eventually reached the equilibrium state, making the position of the jets stable and the distance between the jets the same, and the distance between the jets was related to the intensity of the induced electric field at the tip of the nozzle. Relevant conclusions can provide scientific and practical guidance for the design of needleless electrospinning nozzles on free surface in order to achieve uniform and efficient preparation of ultrafine fibers.