1-D Fibers
- Electrospun nanofibers: Electrospinning can also be used to generate nanofiber mats with controlled porosity and high surface area to volume ratios. This approach begins with materials in solution, using electric fields to produce nanofibers with controlled morphology both within the fiber and the fiber mat. In electrospun blends of polymer, two polymeric materials initially blended together are designed to separate into nanoscale phases or layers during processing. Our researchers are also investigating methods to control the deposition and orientation of the nanofibers, to create more complex structures with higher value.
- Applications: High performance nanofibers and nanofiber assemblies can be used in automotive, defense, sporting goods and consumer goods. Applications include filtration, (such as air filters and water filters); and selectively permeable membranes for chemical-biological defense or clothing, such as stretchable rainwear. Electrospinning potentially could produce nanowires for electrical applications and biocompatible fiber architecture that can be used for tissue scaffolding.
Current Research Projects
- Control of Deposition & Orientation of Electrospun Fibers: Understand the effects of electrodynamics on formation, alignment and deposition of the fibers during electrospinning.
- Nanofibers from Electrospinning of Polymer Blends: Develop nanofibers with controlled morphology within the electrospun nanofiber, such as core-sheath and co-continuous structures. Investigate the effects of key polymer properties and other factors on the resulting nanofiber morphology.
- Electrospinning of Butyl Rubber: A breathable butyl rubber membrane using the electrospinning process has been developed at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Effect of carbon black type and loading on fiber structure, barrier properties, and mechanical properties have been studied.
- Measurements of Nanofiber’s Mechanical Properties: Methods to measure the mechanical properties of single electrospin fibers are being investigated.