Hello, I did electrospinning of 15wt.% PVDF in DMF solvent. The setup was a simple horizontal spinning - collector plate with aluminum foil, syringe pump, syringe with spinneret, and high voltage power supply. After conducting several runs, I noticed I'm getting less products (fibers) on the collecting plate and found out that these "lost" fibers are starting to build up on the side of my syringe pump. I'm wondering why is this happening. Has anyone had this experience? Thanks for any insight.
Hello, your problem is linked to electrical field instabilities. Check any electrical loss, and cover each metallic surroundings organs with adhesive tape. Plz keep us informed. Regards, Nabyl.
Hello, our system set-up is a little different. But, yes I have had the same experience in respect to fibers being erratically deposited in the sides and the back from the syringe. I think we have to see it like an 'Angels share'. I think it is probably due to the repulsion between molecules of the fibres. It just spreads out and flows. We have a closed electrospinning set up and after every run we have to clean the walls of the system, basically scrubbing off the polymer. I think you can pretty avoid this by reducing the the distance (collector - syringe), but at a cost of your fiber quality.
Hi - we also have this problem. You can try reducing the distance to the collector, or increasing the voltage. But your best method is probably to try to keep the system clean. If you can pause electrospinning and wipe down surfaces where fibers appear, this can help the system to stabilize.
Another thing we've attempted is to shield conductive surfaces (like the syringe pump) with insulating materials. To prevent fibers getting on the syringe pump, we made an acrylic stand with a hole that the needle tip just pokes out of. We also minimize the conductive objects near the system.
If you're noticing the fiber deposition rate on the syringe pump increases the longer you have been spinning, you can also try neutralizing static charges on the collector with an anti-static gun or a deionizing stand (e.g. Haug EN-C).
You might use a longer needle. I'd move the needle away in such manner that on the collection plate is the only surface in the needle's vicinity. For example, connect the needle and the syringe with a tube. Position the needle in a nonconductive holder.
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