Processes and applications of electrostatic fiber formation

Abstract

"Electrospinning" is an electrohydrodynamic jetting process that enables the production of continuous fibers, tubes and wires with diameters as small as 10 nm. The process itself is dependent upon electrostatic interactions such as charge-charge repulsion and charge-field interaction. The interplay of charge repulsion, viscoelasticity and surface tension gives rise to interesting electrohydrodynamic phenomena that challenge fundamental understanding as well as practical implementation and quality control in the final fibers. The morphology and diameter of these fibers can be understood and controlled through manipulation of fluid properties and operating parameters. The fibers thus produced are illustrative of nanotechnology in a 1-dimensional form, and have inspired considerable activity in the research community into their potential applications. Proposed uses range from high performance filtration media and membranes, to sensors and actuators, to medical devices and drug delivery vehicles. Two examples, tissue scaffold engineering and superhydrophobicity, are illustrated here. © 2008 IOP Publishing Ltd.