Analysis of polyacrylonitrile nanofiber yarn formation in electrospinning by using a conical collector and two oppositely charged nozzles

Abstract

Nanofiber production by electrospinning has become a common production method as it is an easy and flexible system producing nanofibrous webs. However, direct spinning of nanofibers into a yarn would lead to conversion of nanofibers into woven or knitted fabrics easily, therefore improving end-use possibilities of these fibers substantially. In this work a successful nanofiber yarn spinning system using polyacrylonitrile polymer is established and yarn formation by polymers ejected from two nozzles with opposite charges was analysed and potential of this system for bicomponent yarn production was shown. Fiber formation from each nozzle was also examined by high speed camera while distribution of the electric field strength and loads in the electrostatic state was analysed by electric field simulation. Finally, polyacrylonitrile nanofiber yarns produced at different collector and winding speeds were analysed in terms of fiber and yarn properties. Furthermore, the first fabric sample with nanofiber yarns woven manually was presented. © 2020 The Textile Institute.