Electrospun jets launched from polymeric bubbles

Abstract

In this paper the launching of liquid polymer jets from the apex of gas bubbles on the polyvinylpyrrolidone in ethanol (PVP) solution surface due to an applied electrical potential is investigated. Jets of polymer launched from bubble provide an alternative method for electrospinning polymer nanofibers that may be scalable for commercial production. Bubbles were experimentally created on the surface of a polymer solution by forcing air through a syringe into the polymer solution. An electric potential was applied to the solution to launch the jets. The polymer solution concentration was varied to determine the optimum concentration. The semi-angle of the apex of bubble just prior to jet launch was observed to be close to the theoretical value of 49.3 degrees for a pendant drop.