Surface morphologies of electrospun polystyrene fibers induced by an electric field

Abstract

The electric field plays a key role in the formation of fibers during the electrospinning process. The electric field strength and shape caused by the applied voltage between the spinneret and collector govern the electrospinning process. In this study, a comprehensively designed and correctly implemented analysis was carried out to investigate the effects of the electric field on jet behavior and fiber morphology. Both working distance and applied voltage, respectively, were adjusted to manipulate the electric field shape and strength. The three-dimensional electric fields were simulated to understand the electric field distribution; in addition, a high-speed camera was adopted to capture the images of jet motion. Four parameters, namely straight jet length, envelope cone, height of the bending area, and velocity of the bending jet, were measured to describe the jet behavior. It can be revealed that the shape and strength of the electric field are responsible for the jet behavior and the fiber morphology, which include resultant ripples, grooves, and pores.