A hot air flow assisted slit-type bubble electrospinning device

Abstract

The application provides a hot airflow assisted slit bubble electrostatic spinning device. The slit bubble electrostatic spinning device comprises a hot airflow channel, a slit metal solution channel, a bubble tube and an electrostatic generator; the hot airflow channel and the slit metal solution channel are both circular truncated cone pipelines formed by gradually narrowing inner and outer tubes; the inner tube diameter of the hot airflow channel is the same as the outer tube diameter of the slit metal solution channel; the slit metal solution channel penetrates through and is fixedly attached to the inner tube of the hot airflow channel, the bubble tube extends and is fixed at the inner tube of the slit metal solution channel, and the electrostatic generator is connected to the slit metal solution conduit through a wire. The application improves the arrangement of polymer molecular chains in the solution through the slit metal solution channel, and provides high-speed hot airflow around the bubble through the circular truncated cone hot airflow channel to lift the bubble upward and help the polymer molecular chains to be uniformly distributed parallel to the bubble surface, thereby improving the internal structure of the nanofiber and preparing reinforced nanofiber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of spinning equipment technology, specifically to a slit-type bubble electrospinning device assisted by hot airflow. Background Technology

[0002] The design and fabrication of reinforced nanofibers are of great significance for the research and application of new materials. Natural spider silk, often referred to as "bio-steel," possesses unparalleled high specific strength, excellent elasticity, toughness, and elongation at break. However, its destructive properties prevent its commercial production. Therefore, reinforced nanofibers are one of the research hotspots in the development of new man-made fiber materials.

[0003] Currently, electrospinning nozzles for producing nanofibers are mainly classified into multi-needle and needleless types based on their morphology. While multi-needle electrospinning can increase nanofiber yield to some extent, it suffers from problems such as mutual electric field interference between nozzles and easy clogging, making cleaning difficult. Therefore, needleless electrospinning has gradually become a research hotspot. Bubble electrospinning is a type of needleless electrospinning. This method involves injecting air into a polymer solution to form bubbles. When the bubbles burst, they create numerous thin fragments. These fragments are stretched under the influence of external forces such as electrostatic force and gravity, ultimately forming nanofibers. This method effectively improves the production efficiency of nanofibers and overcomes the inherent shortcomings of multi-needle electrospinning. Current research on electrospinned nanofibers, both domestically and internationally, focuses on functional development and the impact of process parameters on products, rarely exploring the influence of the internal structure of nanofibers on the mechanical properties of the products from the perspective of fundamental mechanical principles.

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical challenges, ensuring the uniform directional alignment of polymer chains within bubbles during bubble electrospinning is one of the most critical issues in the preparation of reinforced nanofibers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0006] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a hot airflow-assisted slit-type bubble electrospinning device, which solves the problems mentioned in the background section.

[0007] (II) Technical Solution

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a hot airflow-assisted slit-type bubble electrospinning apparatus is provided, comprising a hot airflow channel, a slit-type metal solution channel, a bubble tube, and an electrostatic generator;

[0010] Both the hot air flow channel and the slit-type metal solution channel are frustum-shaped pipes formed by the gradual narrowing of the inner and outer tubes; the inner tube diameter of the hot air flow channel is the same as the outer tube diameter of the slit-type metal solution channel; the slit-type metal solution channel passes through the inner tube of the hot air flow channel and is fitted and fixed to the inner tube of the hot air flow channel; the bubble tube extends and is fixed at the inner tube of the slit-type metal solution channel; and the electrostatic generator is connected to the slit-type metal solution conduit via a wire.

[0011] Preferably, the hot airflow channel is connected to the hot airflow compressor via a hot airflow duct, the maximum distance between the inner and outer tubes of the hot airflow channel is ≤10cm, and the elevation angle between the hot airflow channel and the horizontal plane is 0 to 90°.

[0012] Preferably, the top of the hot airflow channel is lower than the top of the slit-type metal solution channel, and the distance between the top of the hot airflow channel and the top of the slit-type metal solution channel is ≤10cm.

[0013] Preferably, the portion of the slit-type metal solution channel not attached to the hot gas flow channel is a cylindrical hollow channel structure. The cylindrical hollow channel of the slit-type metal solution channel is connected to a push rod, and the push rod's actuator abuts against the cylindrical hollow channel of the slit-type metal solution channel.

[0014] Preferably, the bottom end of the slit-type metal solution channel is connected to a frustum-shaped container, and the frustum-shaped container is connected to an injection pump.

[0015] Preferably, the maximum channel width of the slit-type metal solution channel is ≤5cm.

[0016] Preferably, the slit-type metal solution channel is made of a conductive material;

[0017] The hot air flow channel is made of insulating material.

[0018] Preferably, the bubble tube is connected to an air compressor via an air conduit, the top of the bubble tube is lower than the top of the slit-type metal solution channel, and the distance difference between the top of the bubble tube and the top of the slit-type metal solution channel is ≤10cm.

[0019] Preferably, the positive electrode of the electrostatic generator is connected to the metal solution conduit via a wire, and the negative electrode of the electrostatic generator is connected to the spinning receiving plate via a wire. The spinning receiving plate is located in the direction of the nanofibers ejected by the jet formed by electrostatics in the slit-type metal solution channel.

[0020] Preferably, the lower end of the hot airflow channel is provided with 4 to 8 air inlets.

[0021] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0022] This invention provides a slit-type bubble electrospinning device assisted by hot airflow. It has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] This solution provides a hot airflow-assisted slit-type bubble electrospinning device. Based on the fundamental principles of mechanics, it combines a slit-type metal solution channel, a gradually narrowing hot airflow channel, and bubble spinning technology by mimicking spider silk. The improved spinning device improves the arrangement of polymer molecular chains in the solution through the slit-type metal solution channel, and the frustum-shaped hot airflow channel provides high-speed hot airflow to lift the bubbles from all sides and help the polymer molecular chains to be evenly distributed parallel to the bubble surface. By improving the internal structure of the nanofibers, reinforced nanofibers can be prepared. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This invention provides a hot airflow-assisted slit-type bubble electrospinning device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This invention provides a hot airflow-assisted slit-type bubble electrospinning device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This invention provides a hot airflow-assisted slit-type bubble electrospinning device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the distribution of the external airflow channels on the bottom surface of the hot airflow channel in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the distribution of the external airflow channels on the bottom surface of the hot airflow channel in a hot airflow-assisted slit-type bubble electrospinning device provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0029] Among them, 1. hot air flow channel; 2. slit-type metal solution channel; 3. bubble tube; 4. electrostatic generator; 5. wire; 6. hot air flow duct; 7. hot air flow compressor; 8. push rod; 9. propeller; 10. frustum-shaped container; 11. syringe pump; 12. air duct; 13. air compressor; 14. spinning receiving plate; 15. bubble. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To better illustrate the content of this invention, the following description is provided in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] A hot airflow-assisted slit-type bubble electrospinning device, such as Figure 1As shown, the system includes a hot airflow channel 1, a slit-type molten metal channel 2, a bubble tube 3, and an electrostatic generator 4. Both the hot airflow channel and the slit-type molten metal channel 2 are frustum-shaped pipes formed by gradually narrowing inner and outer tubes. The inner tube diameter of the hot airflow channel 1 is the same as the outer tube diameter of the slit-type molten metal channel 2. The inner tube of the slit-type molten metal channel 2 is a cylinder with equal diameters at the top and bottom. The slit-type molten metal channel 2 penetrates the inner tube of the hot airflow channel 1 and is fixedly attached to it. The bubble tube 3 extends and is fixed to the inner tube of the slit-type molten metal channel 2. The electrostatic generator 4 is connected to the slit-type molten metal channel 2 via a wire 5. The hot airflow channel 1 is connected to the hot airflow compressor 7 via a hot airflow duct 6. The maximum distance between the inner and outer tubes of the hot airflow channel 1 is 10 cm. The elevation angle of the hot airflow channel 1 to the horizontal plane is 85°. The top of the airflow channel 1 is lower than the top of the slit-type metal solution channel 2, and the distance between the top of the hot airflow channel 1 and the top of the slit-type metal solution channel 2 is 0cm. In this embodiment, the part of the slit-type metal solution channel 2 that is not attached to the hot airflow channel 1 is also a cylindrical hollow structure. The cylindrical hollow channel of the slit-type metal solution channel 2 is connected to the push rod 8. The pusher 9 of the push rod 8 abuts against the slit-type metal solution channel 2, so that the pusher 9 pumps the solution to the nozzle at the top of the slit-type metal solution channel 2 through the push rod 8. The maximum channel width of the slit-type metal solution channel 2 is 5cm, and the material of the slit-type metal solution channel 2 is a conductive material. The specific conductive material can be selected from at least one of copper, aluminum, platinum, silver, iron, nickel, chromium, and manganese. In this embodiment, copper is selected. The material of the hot airflow channel 1 is an insulating material. In this embodiment, plastic is selected. Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the hot airflow channel 1 is provided with 4 air inlets, and 4 hot airflow ducts 6 are respectively connected to the 4 air inlets of the hot airflow channel 1. The bubble tube 3 is connected to the air compressor 13 through the air duct 12. The top of the bubble tube 3 is lower than the top of the slit-type metal solution channel 2, and the distance between the top of the bubble tube 3 and the top of the slit-type metal solution channel 2 is 0 cm. The positive electrode of the electrostatic generator 4 is connected to the slit-type metal solution channel 2 through the wire 5, and the negative electrode of the electrostatic generator 4 is connected to the spinning receiving plate 14 through the wire 5. The spinning receiving plate 14 is located in the direction of the nanofibers ejected by the jet formed by electrostatics in the slit-type metal solution channel 2.

[0033] During the flow of the solution, the velocity is greatest in the middle of the slit. As the solution flows in the slit, the polymer molecular chains become more and more ordered. Then, the solution generates bubbles 15 through the airflow at the outlet of the bubble tube 3. The size of the bubbles 15 is controlled by adjusting the airflow. The electrostatic generator 4 applies high pressure to the slit-type metal solution channel 2, while the hot air compressor 7 releases hot air to the hot air channel 1 through the hot air conduit 6. The hot air is accelerated through the gradually narrowing hot air channel 1 to lift the bubbles 15 at an elevation angle. With the help of the hot airflow, the polymer molecular chains of the bubbles 15 are parallel to the bubbles 15 to avoid uniform arrangement. After the bubbles 15 burst, a large number of thin fragments are formed into nanofibers under the combined action of electrostatic force and gravity, and are collected on the spinning receiving plate 14.

[0034] Example 2

[0035] This embodiment has the same structure as Embodiment 1, the difference being as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the inner tube of the slit-type metal solution channel 2 is a frustum-shaped structure that gradually narrows from bottom to top. The bubble tube 3 is attached and fixed to the slit-type metal solution channel 2, so that the bubble tube 3 is also a frustum-shaped pipe that gradually narrows from bottom to top.

[0036] Example 3

[0037] This embodiment has the same structure as Embodiment 1, the difference being as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the bottom end of the slit-type metal solution channel 2 is connected to the frustum-shaped container 10, which is connected to the injection pump 11. The injection pump 11 squeezes the solution in the frustum-shaped container 10, thereby causing the solution to be ejected through the nozzle of the slit-type metal solution channel 2.

[0038] Example 4

[0039] This embodiment has the same structure as Embodiment 1, the difference being as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the bottom of the hot airflow channel 1 is provided with 8 air inlets, and 8 hot airflow ducts 6 are respectively connected to the 8 air inlets of the hot airflow channel 1.

[0040] The working principle of the hot airflow-assisted slit-type bubble electrospinning device provided by this invention is as follows:

[0041] The propeller 9 or injection pump 11 pumps the solution through the bottom of the slit-type metal solution channel 2 to the outlet of the bubble tube 3. During the flow of the solution, the velocity is the highest in the middle of the slit, and the velocity is zero on the inner and outer walls of the slit-type metal solution channel 2. As the polymer solution macromolecules flow in the slit, they become more and more ordered. Finally, under the action of the airflow at the outlet, bubbles are generated at the nozzle at the top of the slit-type metal solution channel 2. The positive terminal of the electrostatic generator 4 is connected to the slit-type metal solution channel 2 and a high voltage electrostatic is applied. At the same time, the hot air compressor 7 releases hot air to the hot air channel 1 through the hot air duct 6. The hot air accelerates in the gradually narrowing channel due to the tube effect. Finally, the bubbles are lifted at an upward angle and the polymer molecular chains are evenly arranged parallel to the bubble surface. After the bubbles break, a large number of thin fragments are formed. Under the action of electrostatic force and gravity, nanofibers are prepared and reach the spinning collection plate 14 along the hot air channel.

[0042] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A slit-type bubble electrospinning device assisted by hot airflow, characterized in that: It includes a hot air flow channel (1), a slit-type metal solution channel (2), a bubble tube (3), and an electrostatic generator (4); The hot air flow channel (1) and the slit-type metal solution channel (2) are both frustum-shaped pipes formed by the gradual narrowing of the inner and outer tubes; the inner tube diameter of the hot air flow channel (1) is the same as the outer tube diameter of the slit-type metal solution channel (2); the slit-type metal solution channel (2) passes through the inner tube of the hot air flow channel (1) and is attached and fixed to the inner tube of the hot air flow channel (1); the bubble tube (3) extends and is fixed at the inner tube of the slit-type metal solution channel (2); the electrostatic generator (4) is connected to the slit-type metal solution channel (2) through the wire (5); The hot air flow channel (1) is connected to the hot air flow compressor (7) through the hot air flow duct (6). The maximum distance between the inner and outer tubes of the hot air flow channel (1) is ≤10cm. The elevation angle between the hot air flow channel (1) and the horizontal plane is 0~90°. The top of the hot air flow channel (1) is lower than the top of the slit-type metal solution channel (2), and the distance between the top of the hot air flow channel (1) and the top of the slit-type metal solution channel (2) is ≤10cm. The portion of the slit-type metal solution channel (2) that is not attached to the hot air flow channel (1) is a cylindrical hollow channel structure. The cylindrical hollow channel of the slit-type metal solution channel (2) is connected to the push rod (8), and the pusher (9) of the push rod (8) abuts against the cylindrical hollow channel of the slit-type metal solution channel (2). The bottom end of the slit-type metal solution channel (2) is connected to the frustum-shaped container (10), and the frustum-shaped container (10) is connected to the injection pump (11); The bubble tube (3) is connected to the air compressor (13) through the air duct (12). The top of the bubble tube (3) is lower than the top of the slit-type metal solution channel (2), and the distance difference between the top of the bubble tube (3) and the top of the slit-type metal solution channel (2) is ≤10cm.

2. The hot airflow-assisted slit-type bubble electrospinning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The maximum channel width of the slit-type metal solution channel (2) is ≤5cm.

3. The hot airflow-assisted slit-type bubble electrospinning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slit-type metal solution channel (2) is made of a conductive material; The hot air flow channel (1) is made of insulating material.

4. The hot airflow-assisted slit-type bubble electrospinning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positive electrode of the electrostatic generator (4) is connected to the slit-type metal solution channel (2) via a wire (5), and the negative electrode of the electrostatic generator (4) is connected to the spinning receiving plate (14) via a wire (5). The spinning receiving plate (14) is located in the direction of the nanofibers ejected by the jet formed by the electrostatic flow of the slit-type metal solution channel (2).

5. The hot airflow-assisted slit-type bubble electrospinning device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom end of the hot air flow channel (1) is provided with 4 to 8 air inlets.

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