How are nanofibers made?
There are two main methods for producing nanofibers: Nozzle and Nanospider(TM). Nozzle. From a research perspective, the most common introduction to nanofibers comes from a needle, nozzle or spinneret apparatus configured at a lab bench. A polymer is placed into solution and through hydrostatic pressure it is extruded from the tip while a voltage gradient is applied between the tip to a collector plate. A glass slide, nonwoven, textile or paper can be used as a substrate to collect the nanofiber sheet as it is formed. The major variables in producing nanofibers on such an apparatus are: the viscosity of the polymer, the conductivity of the polymer, the amount of pressure applied through the needle, the amount of voltage passed between the needle and the collector, the gap between the needle and the collector and finally the conductivity of the substrate. Nozzles are well-suited for initial work in the lab environment; however, they show difficulties in scaling to production capacity be
