Investigation of effect of ambient parameters on electrospun nanofiber properties

In this study, effect of ambient parameters (temperature and relative humidity) on diameter and morphology of nanofibers produced by electrospinning method from different solutions made by five different polymers (polyetherimide, poly(trimethylene terephthalate), polyamide 6.6, polysulfone and poly(caprolactone)) and their suitable solvents was investigated. Temperature (10 ºC - 35 ºC, 5 ºC intervals) and relative humidity (20% - 70%, 10% intervals) values were examined systematically and nanofibers were produced at 36 different ambient conditions. In addition to ambient parameters, polymer concentration, applied voltage, charge density, tip to collector distance, solvent ratio and solvent type were also investigated. Field emission scanning electron microscope was used for examining of diameter and morphology of the nanofiber samples. FESEM images were analyzed by using a image analyze program and average diameters and diameter variation were determined. Also morphological properties of the nanofibers were determined by using FESEM images with high magnification. The data obtained was subjected to statistical analyses to assess the effects of the parameters on diameter of nanofibers using a statistical software. The experimental results showed that ambient temperature and relative humidity are effective on diameter and diameter variation, cross section form, surface roughness and porous structure of the nanofibers.