Development of electrospun nanofibers having novel morphologies via corona plasma treatment

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Development of electrospun nanofibers having novel morphologies via corona plasma treatment

Journal Title: Journal of Achievements in Materials and Manufacturing Engineering - Year 2016, Vol 76, Issue 1

Abstract

Purpose: Traditional nanofibers are weak in mechanical strength and also they lack in functional capacity to some extent for some of high performance applications. In this paper, in the light of these facts, development of plasma treated nanofibers having novel morphologies was reported. In other words, the surface of the nanofibers was treated using corona plasma instrument to differentiate fiber morphology so that they gain potential functional capabilities. To answer the question whether dramatic changes into nanofibrous architecture could be possibly obtained, the experiments were designed and carried out at different plasma and electrospinning process parameters such as different concentration of polymers solutions and bombardment of different power range and density to assess their consequences. SEM investigations and camera shots revealed that plasma treatment have provided unique structural changes even at low frequencies due to large surface area to volume ratio of nanofibers. The effect of plasma treatment on nanofibers alignment and morphology resulted in formation of duple and triple agglomerated nanofibers and a dramatic decrease in fiber diameters. Treated nanofibers might have switchable liquid absorption properties as well as specific air permeability that could be potentially used for functional applications. Findings: The experimental design and findings are unique in nanofibers literature in terms of application of standard plasma process and carbonization trials together as well as suggestion and introduction of a novel idea into development of a new apparatus in order to produce plasma treated nanofibers simultaneously. Practical implications: Practically, experimental results have also shown that, apart from application of plasma over nanofibers after electrospinning, it is expected that integration of electrospinning process and plasma process together will likely have better and longer lasting effects on fiber morphology. To this aim, a novel joint electrospinning/plasma apparatus could be designed with combination of a plasma box right after electrospinning area.

Authors and Affiliations

Ç. Sivri

Keywords

EP ID EP189364
DOI -
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