A simple model for nanofiber formation by rotary jet-spinning

TL;DR

This paper presents a minimal theoretical model for rotary jet-spinning, providing a phase diagram that guides nanofiber production parameters, validated by experiments and useful for optimizing fiber quality and production rates.

Contribution

The paper introduces a simplified scaling framework and semi-analytic model for nanofiber formation via rotary jet-spinning, linking process parameters to fiber characteristics.

Findings

Validated the model for fiber radius dependence on process parameters

Developed a phase diagram for nanofiber production regimes

Achieved good agreement with experimental data

Abstract

Nanofibers are microstructured materials that span a broad range of applications from tissue engineering scaffolds to polymer transistors. An efficient method of nanofiber production is Rotary Jet-Spinning (RJS), consisting of a perforated reservoir rotating at high speeds along its axis of symmetry, which propels a liquid, polymeric jet out of the reservoir orifice. These jets undergo stretching and solidify forming nanoscale fibers. We report a minimal scaling framework complemented by a semi-analytic and numerical approach to characterize the regimes of nanofiber production using RJS. Our theoretical model is validated for the fiber radius as a function of experimentally tunable parameters. We summarize our findings in a phase diagram for the design space of continuous nanofibers as a function of process parameters, in good agreement with experiments and with natural implications for the production rates as well as in the morphological quality of fibers.