Multi-Jet Electrospinning with Auxiliary Electrode: The Influence of Solution Properties

Abstract

Multiple jets ejection in electrospinning has been a major approach to achieving a high production rate of ultrafine fibers, also known as nanofibers. This work studies the effect of solution parameters-including dielectric constant, polarity, conductivity and surface tension-on the jet number and jet evolution in the auxiliary electrode electrospinning approach. The results show that it is easier to generate 2⁻6 jets with short stable jet length (1.7⁻6.9 mm) under low voltage (5.03⁻7.13 kV) when solutions have higher dielectric constant (32.2⁻78.6) and larger surface tension (31.8⁻41.29 mN/m). The influence of solution properties on stable jet length and the influence of applied voltage to produce multiple jets are discussed in detail. This work provides a new perspective for understanding jet evolution and mass production of nanofibers in electrospinning.