Continuous Dual-Track Fabrication of Polymer Micro-/Nanofibers Based on Direct Drawing

Abstract

This manuscript proposes a continuous and straightforward method for fabricating suspended micro- and nanodiameter polymer fibers using an automated single-step drawing system. Termed track spinning, the system is based on a simple manual fiber drawing process that is automated by using two oppositely rotating tracks. Fibers are continuously spun by direct contact of polymer solution coated tracks followed by mechanical drawing as the distance between the tracks increases. The device can draw single or multifilament arrays of micro- and nanofibers from many kinds of polymers and solvent combinations. To demonstrate, fibers were pulled from polymer solutions containing polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and polyurethane (PU). Fiber morphology was smooth and uniform, and the diameter was sensitive to draw length and polymer solution/melt properties. Polymer nanofibers with diameters as small as 450 nm and length of 255 mm were produced. The track spinning method is able to form fibers from high viscosity solutions and melts that are not compatible with some other nanofiber fabrication methods. Further, the setup is simple and inexpensive to implement and nozzleless and does not require an electric field or high-velocity jets, and the tracks can be widened and patterned/textured to enhance fiber yield and manufacturing precision.