Optimization of electrospinning process parameters to develop the smallest ZnO + PVP nanofibres using Taguchi experimental design and ANOVA

Abstract

Electrospinning is a well-known and straightforward technique for creating nanofibres from various materials, such as metals, ceramics, and polymers. The process takes place in a strong electric field, causing the polymer solution to stretch, resulting in micro/nanoscale fibres. The process parameters of electrospinning influence the morphology of nanofibres. In the present study, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanofibres were created in a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymer combining electrospinning and sol–gel methods. To measure the effects of electrospinning and sol–gel on the diameter of ZnO + PVP nanofibres, a Taguchi design of experiment (DoE) approach was adopted, which comprised the “PVP concentrations, flow rate, needle tip-to-collector distances, and applied voltage”. S/N ratio, orthogonal L9 arrays with Taguchi design, and variance analysis. Several trials and investigations are planned using ANOVA to observe the best circumstances for synthesising ZnO + PVP. In DoE studies, it was analysed that the PVP concentration is the most crucial determinant of the nanofibre diameter, followed by flow rate. For electro-spun ZnO + PVP nanofibres, an optimal combination was also identified to produce the lowest diameters with the least variance. Interaction plot values were also recommended for experimentation with good interaction and a further selection of parameter values.