Response Surface Methodology to Explore the Influence Mechanism of Fiber Diameter in a New Multi-Needle Electrospinning Spinneret

Abstract

Multi-needle electrospinning is an efficient method for producing nanofiber membranes. However, fluctuations in the fluid flow rate during the process affect membrane quality and cause instability, an issue that remains unresolved. To address this, a multi-stage flow runner spinneret needs to be developed for large-scale nanofiber membrane production. This paper uses COMSOL finite element software to simulate polymer flow in the spinneret runner. From this, the velocity field distribution and velocity instability coefficient were obtained, providing theoretical guidance for optimal spinneret design. In addition, response surface analysis (RSM) was used to experimentally explore the process parameters, and then residual probability plots were used for reliability verification to evaluate the effect of each process parameter on fiber diameter. These process parameters can guide the controlled production of nanofibers during multi-needle electrospinning.