In our lab we have a spray pyrolysis setup and we have a high voltage system up to 10kV. Can i combine both to make an electrospinning setup? Please give suggestions for making a drum collector.
The concept of using a spray pyrolysis setup as an electrospinning setup is possible but would require modifications and additional components. Here's a general idea of how you could adapt a spray pyrolysis setup for electrospinning:
Electrospinning Setup: Set up the basic components required for electrospinning, which typically include a high-voltage power supply, a spinneret, a collector, and a syringe pump. The spinneret should have a fine needle or nozzle for precise control of the polymer solution's extrusion.
Polymer Solution Preparation: Prepare a polymer solution suitable for electrospinning. This usually involves dissolving the polymer in a suitable solvent to create a homogeneous solution. The polymer should have suitable rheological properties to facilitate electrospinning.
Syringe Pump Connection: Connect the syringe pump to the spinneret. The syringe pump will control the rate at which the polymer solution is extruded from the spinneret. Make sure the setup allows for precise control over the flow rate.
High-Voltage Power Supply Integration: Integrate a high-voltage power supply into the setup to generate an electric field required for electrospinning. Connect the power supply to the spinneret and the collector. Ensure appropriate safety measures are in place when working with high voltages.
Modification of Spray Nozzle: Modify the spray nozzle used in the spray pyrolysis setup. Replace the original nozzle with a suitable electrospinning spinneret. The spinneret should have a small orifice for controlled extrusion of the polymer solution and generation of a fine electrospun fiber.
Collector Adjustment: Adjust the collector configuration to accommodate the electrospun fibers. The collector should be positioned at an appropriate distance from the spinneret to allow the fibers to deposit in a controlled manner.
Process Control and Optimization: Experiment with various parameters such as polymer concentration, flow rate, voltage, distance between spinneret and collector, and ambient conditions to optimize the electrospinning process and achieve the desired fiber morphology.
Safety Considerations: Ensure proper safety precautions are followed when working with high voltages and potentially hazardous chemicals. Use appropriate personal protective equipment and work in a well-ventilated area.
It's important to note that while this adaptation allows the combination of spray pyrolysis and electrospinning techniques, it may not offer the same level of control and precision as a dedicated electrospinning setup. The modified setup will require careful experimentation and optimization to achieve satisfactory electrospun fiber properties.
I can recommend products of my company Mechion. You can purchase every separate module you need for your electrospinning research. Don't hesitate to get in touch with [email protected].