A self-powered electrospinning device and method for preparing a fiber ring with intermittent circumferential distribution

Abstract

A self-powered electrospinning device capable of preparing discontinuous circumferential distribution fiber ring, comprising a fixed base plate, a rotating shaft, a piezoelectric ceramic electrifier, a bearing table and a height-adjustable fiber collection table, and the fixed base plate is a disc. The bearing table and the height-adjustable fiber collection table are cylindrical with an open bottom and are arranged on the fixed base plate, and the bearing table is arranged in the height-adjustable fiber collection table. The rotating shaft is arranged at the center of the fixed base plate. A plurality of panels with climbing surfaces are arranged above the bearing table. A bevel gear transmission combination is arranged on the rotating shaft in the bearing table. A plurality of piezoelectric ceramic electrifiers are arranged on the rotating shaft, and the piezoelectric ceramic electrifiers are located above the panels with climbing surfaces in the height-adjustable fiber collection table. A plurality of medical syringes are arranged on the top of the rotating shaft, and a spinning needle is arranged on the medical syringe, and the high-voltage output end of the piezoelectric ceramic electrifier is connected with the spinning needle. The present application realizes the preparation of nanofibers without relying on domestic power supply, and the preparation cost is low; and the discontinuous circumferential distribution fiber ring can be automatically printed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of patterned nanofiber preparation technology, specifically relating to a self-powered electrospinning device and method for preparing discontinuous circumferentially distributed fiber rings. Background Technology

[0002] Nanofibers, as one-dimensional nanomaterials, typically range in diameter from 1 nanometer to 100 nanometers. Due to their nanoscale size, they exhibit properties different from conventional materials, such as surface effects and small-size effects. There are many methods for preparing nanofibers, but electrospinning (or "electrospinning") is widely considered the most effective method for preparing long nanofibers due to its simple equipment, convenient operation, and high fiber production rate. Traditional electrospinning devices and a series of newly invented electrospinning devices are all based on the old "three-piece set" assembly design. This "three-piece set" refers to a high-voltage DC power supply, a solution container with a spinning needle, and a collecting electrode. Generally, the high-voltage DC power supply includes rectification and boosting components and operates using 220 volts of household electricity; the solution container with the spinning needle is a medical syringe; and the collecting electrode is a metal plate or aluminum foil. The principle and process of electrospinning have been extensively studied by major research groups both domestically and internationally. In short, a high-voltage DC power supply provides a voltage of over 10,000 volts (the positive terminal of the power supply is connected to the spinning needle, and the negative terminal is connected to the collecting electrode). When a polymer solution with a certain conductivity flows through the spinning needle, it undergoes four steps—deformation, stretching, splitting, and refinement—under the influence of a strong electric field, ultimately forming nanoscale fibers that are deposited on the collecting electrode. The resulting fibers are distributed in a disordered manner.

[0003] With in-depth research and widespread application, patterned nanofibers are receiving increasing attention. For example, current research on wearable flexible and stretchable devices relies heavily on patterned nanofibers. Patterned nanofibers avoid the fragility of conventional nanofibers, increasing their elongation. This greatly expands the application range of nanofibers and also protects flexible and stretchable devices. Where external stretching would normally cause fiber breakage, the significantly increased elongation prevents fiber damage. Regarding nanofiber patterning, relatively easy-to-obtain patterns include wavy nanowires and helical nanowires, with the fiber structure generally being continuous.

[0004] However, patterned electrospinning has at least three shortcomings: First, most electrospinning relies on high-voltage DC power, operating on household electricity; second, it cannot produce intermittent patterned nanofibers within a single electrospinning cycle; and third, the automated printing capability of the fibers is weak. Correspondingly, this leads to three difficulties: First, electrospinning cannot be maintained in the event of a power outage or damage to the high-voltage DC power supply; second, applications based on intermittently patterned nanofibers are hindered. Even if intermittently patterned fibers are prepared through secondary processing, efficiency and process complexity will hinder large-scale production; and third, the low level of automation prevents the realization of intelligent manufacturing of nanofibers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention aims to provide an automated nanofiber electrospinning device that is self-powered and generates high voltage based on piezoelectric ceramics. Furthermore, this device can be used to prepare discontinuous, circumferentially distributed nanofiber loops. Specifically, it can print symmetrical nanofiber loops with two, four, or other even-numbered segments, or three, five, or other odd-numbered segments arranged circumferentially. Simultaneously, it achieves the goal of adjustable and controllable radius of the discontinuously distributed circumferential fiber loops during the electrospinning process. Moreover, this invention enables the preparation of patterned nanofibers in one electrospinning cycle, in a single step.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A self-powered electrospinning device for preparing discontinuous circumferentially distributed fiber rings includes a fixed base, a rotating shaft, a piezoelectric ceramic generator, a support platform, a spinning needle, and a height-adjustable fiber collecting platform, wherein the fixed base is a disc.

[0008] The support platform and the height-adjustable fiber collection platform are both cylindrical structures with open bottoms. The support platform and the height-adjustable fiber collection platform are mounted on a fixed chassis. The support platform is located inside the height-adjustable fiber collection platform. The support platform, the height-adjustable fiber collection platform, and the fixed chassis are concentric.

[0009] The rotating shaft is rotatably located at the center of the fixed chassis, and the upper end of the rotating shaft extends out to the support platform and the height-adjustable fiber collection platform.

[0010] Several ramped panels are fixedly installed above the support platform.

[0011] A bevel gear transmission assembly is provided on the rotating shaft, and the bevel gear transmission assembly is located inside the support platform.

[0012] The rotating shaft is equipped with several piezoelectric ceramic generators, which are located above the inclined panel inside the height-adjustable fiber collecting platform.

[0013] A syringe fixing plate is fixedly installed on the top of the rotating shaft, and the syringe fixing plate can rotate together with the rotating shaft.

[0014] The syringe fixing plate is provided with a plurality of medical syringes, which can slide radially and are provided with spinning needles.

[0015] The high-voltage output terminal of the piezoelectric ceramic generator is connected to the spinning needle via an electric wire.

[0016] Furthermore, a piezoelectric ceramic starter fixing panel is provided on the rotating shaft, and the piezoelectric ceramic starter is located below the piezoelectric ceramic starter fixing panel.

[0017] Furthermore, the bevel gear transmission assembly is provided with a rotating handle, which is rotatably mounted on the support platform.

[0018] Furthermore, the bevel gear transmission assembly includes a large gear placed vertically and a small gear placed horizontally.

[0019] Furthermore, the design parameters of the ramp surface on the ramp panel are as follows: the ramp surface forms a 30-degree angle with the horizontal direction, the downhill surface forms a 60-degree angle with the horizontal direction, and the two ramp surfaces are connected by an arc surface.

[0020] Furthermore, the ramped panel can also be designed in various forms, such as having two, three, or four sides.

[0021] Furthermore, the pressing surface of the piezoelectric ceramic generator pressing device is a structure in which a 30-degree inclined plane and a 60-degree inclined plane intersect.

[0022] Furthermore, the medical syringe is a one-milliliter medical syringe.

[0023] Furthermore, the syringe fixing plate is provided with several tracks evenly distributed along its radius, and syringe fixing positions are slidably disposed within the tracks. The medical syringe is disposed within the syringe fixing positions.

[0024] Furthermore, the injection fixation plate can be divided into single-syringe fixation plate, two-syringe fixation plate, four-syringe fixation plate, etc.

[0025] This invention also provides a method for preparing discontinuously circumferentially distributed polyvinylidene fluoride fiber rolls. This method uses a self-powered electrospinning device provided by this invention capable of preparing discontinuously circumferentially distributed fiber rolls. The specific operating steps are as follows:

[0026] S1. Weigh an appropriate amount of PVDF powder using an electronic balance, and then transfer it to a conical glass bottle with a ground glass spout;

[0027] S2. Weigh out an appropriate amount of acetone and N,N-dimethylformamide and add them to a conical glass flask to mix with PVDF. Then, place a magnetic spool in the flask, cover it with the cap, and seal it with plastic wrap.

[0028] S3. Place the conical glass flask into a beaker filled with water, and then place it on a magnetic stirrer;

[0029] S4. Set the magnetic stirring speed and water bath heating temperature, and stir the solution until it is homogeneous before use;

[0030] S5. Use a plastic straw to draw an appropriate amount of the PVDF spinning solution prepared in S4 and add it into a medical syringe;

[0031] S6. Debug the device and select a panel with a climbing surface that has the corresponding number of climbing surfaces;

[0032] S7. Adjust the height-adjustable fiber collection platform to a suitable height;

[0033] S8. Adjust the distance between the spinning needle and the center of the rotating shaft;

[0034] S9. Rotate the rotating handle to rotate the fixed panel of the piezoelectric ceramic generator, which has been fixed with the piezoelectric ceramic generator. When the piezoelectric ceramic generator passes the slope of the lower panel with the ramp surface, the pressing device of the piezoelectric ceramic generator will be squeezed, thereby generating electricity and producing high voltage. The high voltage is transmitted to the spinning needle through the wire, and spinning begins.

[0035] S10. After spinning is completed, the prepared PVDF patterned fiber sample is removed from the height-adjustable fiber collection platform;

[0036] S11. Microscopic observation of the prepared PVDF discontinuous fiber rings.

[0037] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0038] 1. To achieve the preparation of nanofibers using electrospinning technology that does not rely on household electricity;

[0039] 2. Using piezoelectric ceramic generators instead of DC high-voltage power supplies reduces the cost of electrospinning equipment;

[0040] 3. It can prepare discontinuous circumferentially distributed fiber rings that are not currently available on the market;

[0041] 4. It can realize the automated printing of intermittent circumferentially distributed fiber rings, that is, it can realize the intelligent manufacturing of special patterned fibers;

[0042] 5. The device is highly mobile and can print circumferentially distributed fiber rings with different numbers of segments as needed. By adjusting the printing radius, "concentric circle" discontinuous circumferentially distributed fiber rings can be prepared. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a syringe fixing plate structure (taking a syringe fixing plate with four syringe fixing positions as an example).

[0045] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a panel structure with a ramp.

[0046] Figure 3 a is a schematic diagram of a panel structure with two ramped surfaces;

[0047] Figure 3 b is a schematic diagram of a slope structure with a sloping panel (sloping at 30 degrees, descending at 60 degrees, with the two sides connected by an arc).

[0048] Figure 3 Figure c is a schematic diagram of a panel structure with four ramped surfaces;

[0049] Figure 3 Figure d is a 3D view of a panel with four climbing surfaces;

[0050] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the sliding and pressing method between the pressing surface of the piezoelectric ceramic generator and the ramped surface of the panel with ramped surface;

[0051] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a bevel gear transmission assembly (transmission method);

[0052] Figure 6 To prepare a simulated image of discontinuous circumferentially distributed fiber rings and a scanning electron microscope image of the fibers (partially).

[0053] Reference numerals: 1-Fixed chassis, 2-Rotating shaft, 3-Piezoelectric ceramic generator fixing panel, 4-Piezoelectric ceramic generator, 5-Bearing platform, 6-Panel with ramp, 7-Medical syringe, 8-Instrument fixing plate, 9-Spinning needle, 10-Wire, 11-Bevel gear transmission assembly, 12-Rotating handle, 13-Height adjustable fiber collection platform, 14-Instrument fixing position, 15-Railway. Detailed Implementation

[0054] For ease of understanding, the technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0055] like Figures 1-6As shown, a self-powered electrospinning device capable of producing intermittently circumferentially distributed fiber rings includes a fixed base 1, a rotating shaft 2, a piezoelectric ceramic generator 4, a support platform 5, a panel with a climbing surface 6, a medical syringe 7, a syringe fixing plate 8, a spinning needle 9, a bevel gear transmission assembly 11, and a height-adjustable fiber collection platform 13.

[0056] The fixed base 1 is a circular disc with a diameter of 20 centimeters. The fixed base 1 is located at the bottom of all components and serves to fix the entire device.

[0057] The support platform 5 and the height-adjustable fiber collection platform 13 are both cylindrical structures with open bottoms. The support platform 5 and the height-adjustable fiber collection platform 13 are set on the fixed base 1. The support platform 5 is set inside the height-adjustable fiber collection platform 13. The support platform 5, the height-adjustable fiber collection platform 13 and the fixed base 1 are concentric.

[0058] The rotating shaft 2 is rotatably positioned at the center of the fixed base 1, which prevents the main body of the invention from shaking due to the rotation of the upper parts during electrospinning, thus increasing stability. The upper end of the rotating shaft 2 extends out of the support platform 5 and the height-adjustable fiber collecting platform 13.

[0059] A bevel gear transmission assembly 11 is provided on the rotating shaft 2. The bevel gear transmission assembly 11 is located inside the support platform 5, and the rotation of the rotating shaft 2 is controlled by the bevel gear transmission assembly 11.

[0060] A rotating handle 12 is provided on the bevel gear transmission assembly 11. The rotating handle 12 is rotatably mounted on the support platform 5, and the end of the rotating handle 12 extends out of the support platform 5.

[0061] The bevel gear transmission assembly 11 is started by rotating the handle 12. It can be controlled manually or automatically by a motor.

[0062] The bevel gear transmission assembly 11 includes a vertically placed large gear and a horizontally placed small gear. The large gear has sixty teeth, and the small gear has twenty teeth. The bevel gear transmission assembly 11 can convert rotation in the vertical direction into rotation in the horizontal plane.

[0063] Several ramped panels 6 are fixedly installed above the support platform 5.

[0064] The design parameters of the ramp surface on panel 6 are as follows: the ramp surface forms a 30-degree angle with the horizontal direction, the downhill surface forms a 60-degree angle with the horizontal direction, and the two ramp surfaces are connected by an arc surface.

[0065] A piezoelectric ceramic generator fixing panel 3 is mounted on the rotating shaft 2, located above the inclined panel 6 inside the height-adjustable fiber collecting table 13. Several piezoelectric ceramic generators 4 are mounted on the fixing panel 3, and the rotating shaft 2 can drive the piezoelectric ceramic generators 4 to rotate. The fixing panel 3 primarily serves to fix the piezoelectric ceramic generators 4.

[0066] The pressing surface of the piezoelectric ceramic starter 4 is a structure where a 30-degree slope and a 60-degree slope intersect. The ramped panel 6 exerts a pushing action on the piezoelectric ceramic starter 4, helping it generate high voltage.

[0067] A syringe fixing plate 8 is fixedly installed on the top of the rotating shaft 2, and the syringe fixing plate 8 can rotate together with the rotating shaft 2.

[0068] Four tracks 15 are evenly distributed along the radius of the syringe fixing plate 8, and syringe fixing positions 14 are slidably arranged within the tracks 15. A medical syringe 7 is installed within the syringe fixing position 14, and the medical syringe 7 is equipped with a spinning needle 9. The medical syringe 7 is a one-milliliter syringe. The syringe fixing plate mainly serves to fix the syringe with the spinning needle.

[0069] The high-voltage output terminal of the piezoelectric ceramic generator 4 is connected to the spinning needle 9 via the wire 10.

[0070] The entire device is cylindrical in shape, with a length × width × height of 20 cm × 20 cm × 30 cm.

[0071] The specific operating steps for preparing discontinuous circumferentially distributed polyvinylidene fluoride fiber rings using the self-powered electrospinning device provided by this invention are as follows:

[0072] S1. Weigh 1.0 g of PVDF powder using an electronic balance, and then transfer it to a conical glass bottle with a ground glass spout;

[0073] S2. Weigh 4.5 g of acetone and 4.5 g of N,N-dimethylformamide and add them to a conical glass bottle to mix with PVDF. Then place a magnetic flask in the bottle, cover it with the cap, and then seal it with plastic wrap.

[0074] S3. Place the conical glass flask into a beaker filled with water, and then place it on a magnetic stirrer;

[0075] S4. Set the magnetic stirring speed and water bath heating temperature (50 degrees Celsius), and stir for four hours; after the solution is homogeneous, use it for electrospinning;

[0076] S5. Use a plastic pipette to draw an appropriate amount of PVDF spinning solution and add it to a 1.0 ml medical syringe 7;

[0077] S6. Adjust the device according to the invention design, and select a panel 6 with a corresponding number of climbing surfaces according to the number of segments of the discontinuous fiber ring to be printed. Here, a panel 6 with two climbing surfaces is selected.

[0078] S7. Adjust the height-adjustable fiber collection platform 13 to an appropriate height, with the height-adjustable fiber collection platform 13 being two centimeters away from the lowest point of the spinning needle 9; lay a layer of aluminum foil on the height-adjustable fiber collection platform 13 beforehand to facilitate fiber sampling;

[0079] S8. Adjust the distance between the spinning needle 9 and the center of the rotating shaft 2, which is the radius of the prepared fiber loop; here the radius is set to three centimeters;

[0080] S9. Manually rotate the rotary handle 12, which causes the rotating shaft 2 to rotate through the bevel gear transmission assembly 11. The rotation of the rotating shaft 2 drives the piezoelectric ceramic generator fixing panel 3, which has the piezoelectric ceramic generator 4 fixed thereon, to rotate. When the piezoelectric ceramic generator 4 passes over the slope of the lower ramp panel 6, it performs a ramping motion. The pressing device of the piezoelectric ceramic generator 4 will be squeezed, thereby generating high voltage. The high voltage is transmitted to the spinning needle 9 through the wire 10, and spinning begins.

[0081] S10. After spinning is completed, the prepared PVDF patterned fiber sample is removed from the height-adjustable fiber collection platform 13;

[0082] S11. Microscopic observation of the prepared PVDF discontinuous fiber rings.

[0083] This invention enables the preparation of nanofibers using electrospinning technology that does not rely on household electricity. It utilizes a piezoelectric ceramic generator instead of a DC high-voltage power supply, reducing the cost of the electrospinning device. It can prepare discontinuous circumferentially distributed fiber loops, which are not currently available on the market. It allows for the automated printing of these discontinuous circumferentially distributed fiber loops, enabling intelligent manufacturing of specially patterned fibers. The device is highly mobile and can print circumferentially distributed fiber loops with different numbers of segments as needed. By adjusting the printing radius, concentric circle discontinuous circumferentially distributed fiber loops can be prepared. Simultaneously, the radius of the discontinuous circumferentially distributed fiber loops can be adjusted and controlled during the electrospinning process. Furthermore, this invention allows for the preparation of the patterned nanofibers in a single electrospinning cycle, completed in one step.

Claims

1. A self-powered electrospinning device for preparing discontinuous circumferentially distributed fiber rings, comprising a fixed base, a rotating shaft, a piezoelectric ceramic generator, a support platform, a spinning needle, a bevel gear transmission assembly, and a height-adjustable fiber collection platform, wherein the fixed base is a disc; The support platform and the height-adjustable fiber collection platform are both cylindrical structures with open bottoms. The support platform and the height-adjustable fiber collection platform are mounted on a fixed chassis. The support platform is located inside the height-adjustable fiber collection platform. The support platform, the height-adjustable fiber collection platform, and the fixed chassis are concentric. The rotating shaft is rotatably located at the center of the fixed chassis, and the upper end of the rotating shaft extends out of the support platform and the height-adjustable fiber collection platform. Several ramped panels are fixedly installed above the support platform. The ramped surface of the ramped panel forms a 30-degree angle with the horizontal direction, and the downhill surface forms a 60-degree angle with the horizontal direction. The two ramps are connected by an arc surface. A bevel gear transmission assembly is provided on the rotating shaft, and the bevel gear transmission assembly is located inside the support platform; The rotating shaft is equipped with several piezoelectric ceramic generators, which are located above the inclined panel inside the height-adjustable fiber collection platform. The pressing surface of the piezoelectric ceramic generator pressing device is a structure in which a 30-degree inclined plane and a 60-degree inclined plane intersect. A syringe fixing plate is fixedly installed on the top of the rotating shaft, and a plurality of medical syringes are installed on the syringe fixing plate. The medical syringes can slide radially. The medical syringe is equipped with a spinning needle, and the high-voltage output terminal of the piezoelectric ceramic generator is connected to the spinning needle via an electric wire.

2. The self-powered electrospinning device for preparing discontinuous circumferentially distributed fiber loops according to claim 1, characterized in that: A piezoelectric ceramic starter fixing panel is provided on the rotating shaft, and the piezoelectric ceramic starter is located below the piezoelectric ceramic starter fixing panel.

3. The self-powered electrospinning device for preparing discontinuous circumferentially distributed fiber loops according to claim 2, characterized in that: The bevel gear transmission assembly is equipped with a rotating handle, which is rotatably mounted on the support platform.

4. The self-powered electrospinning device for preparing discontinuous circumferentially distributed fiber loops according to claim 3, characterized in that: The bevel gear transmission assembly includes a large gear placed vertically and a small gear placed horizontally.

5. The self-powered electrospinning device for preparing discontinuous circumferentially distributed fiber loops according to claim 4, characterized in that: The syringe fixing plate is provided with several tracks evenly distributed along its radius, and a syringe fixing position is slidably provided in the track, with the medical syringe located in the syringe fixing position.

6. A method for preparing discontinuously circumferentially distributed polyvinylidene fluoride fiber rings based on any one of claims 1-5, comprising the following specific steps: S1. Weigh an appropriate amount of PVDF powder using an electronic balance, and then transfer it to a conical glass bottle with a ground glass spout; S2. Weigh out an appropriate amount of acetone and N,N-dimethylformamide and add them to a conical glass flask to mix with PVDF. Then, place a magnetic spool in the flask, cover it with the cap, and seal it with plastic wrap. S3. Place the conical glass flask into a beaker filled with water, and then place it on a magnetic stirrer; S4. Set the magnetic stirring speed and water bath heating temperature, and stir the solution until it is homogeneous before use; S5. Use a plastic straw to draw an appropriate amount of the PVDF spinning solution prepared in S4 and add it into a medical syringe; S6. Debug the device and select a panel with a climbing surface that has the corresponding number of climbing surfaces; S7. Adjust the height-adjustable fiber collection platform to a suitable height; S8. Adjust the distance between the spinning needle and the center of the rotating shaft; S9. Rotate the rotating handle to rotate the fixed panel of the piezoelectric ceramic generator, which has been fixed with the piezoelectric ceramic generator. When the piezoelectric ceramic generator passes the slope of the lower panel with the ramp surface, the pressing device of the piezoelectric ceramic generator will be squeezed, thereby generating electricity and producing high voltage. The high voltage is transmitted to the spinning needle through the wire, and spinning begins. S10. After spinning is completed, the prepared PVDF patterned fiber sample is removed from the height-adjustable fiber collection platform; S11. Microscopic observation of the prepared PVDF discontinuous fiber rings.

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