Novel robot-assisted angled multi-nozzle electrospinning set-up: computer simulation with experimental observation of electric field and fiber morphology

Abstract

The development of a unique multi-nozzle electrospinning set-up and the study of the effect of an electric field on different types of spinneret are of major concern for broadening the industrial application of electrospinning. In the present paper we describe a novel robot-assisted angled multi-nozzle electrospinning set-up for the mass production of nanofibers and compare the computer simulation and the experimental results for the measurement of the electric field and fiber morphology. Three nozzle configurations, with a 90°, 100°, or 180° angle between the nozzles, and two operating conditions of the nozzle holder (fixed and movable), were studied to observe the electric field strength and its effect on fiber diameter. The results of the electrospinning experiments and electric field simulation demonstrated that the interference of the electric field was greatest with the 90° configuration and the nozzle holder held in a fixed position, whereas when the nozzle holder was movable it was greatest at 180°. The study was carried out using either two or eight nozzles, and the results showed that the electric field remained the same for a given configuration of the nozzle holder and the configuration angle, regardless of the number of nozzles. The study also showed that by controlling the movable nozzle holder and its angle the fiber diameter could be regulated without changing other material or processing parameters.