In this work, nanofiber production technology by means ofelectrospinning method was studied. Solution electrospinning and meltelectrospinning setups were established in order to produce nanofibers from thermoplasticpolyurethane (TPU). Because of their high flexibility and soft touch, TPU nanofibersprovide several advantages in different industries especially in textile.
In the experimental studies, three different solutions of TPU with dimethylformamide were prepared and transferred into a feeding unit whichenables to adjust and regulate solution flow in the solution electrospinningprocess. In addition to solution concentration, applied voltage, processingtime and distance between collector and feeding unit were used as the mainexperimental parameters. In melt electrospinning process, a commercial meltflow index test equipment was used as the feeding unit. Since theelectrospinning process was not able to take place with the original spinneretof the melt flow index device, a new spinneret was designed. Having integratedthe newly designed spinneret and protector cabin onto the system, the meltelectrospinning process was then possible. Polymer processing temperature,applied voltage, processing time and distance between collector and feeding unitwere variables of melt electrospinning process.
In conclusion, a specially designed apparatus for processingTPU were used to compare the processes of melt and solution electrospinning. Inaddition to process observations, electrospun fiber collections and morphologieswere examined by characterizing the electrospun fibers qualitatively and quantitativelyusing scanning electron microscope (SEM) images (Figure 1).
When the results obtained from this study are compared withformer studies, some improvements achieved in the final product such as verylow standard deviation values in solution electrospun nanofibers. On the otherhand, melt electrospinning of TPU polymer had not been investigated before thisstudy. So, this study would be a guide for further studies in this field.
Keywords:
Electrospinning, Nanofiber, Themoplastıc Polyurethane(TPU)
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