A microfiber preparation device and a microfiber preparation method

Abstract

The application discloses a microfiber preparation device and a microfiber preparation method in the technical field of microfiber production. The device comprises a guest phase output mechanism, a solidification pool and an actuating mechanism. The vibration generated by the actuating mechanism is transmitted to the needle tube, so that the conical tip nozzle located below the liquid surface of the host phase reciprocates at a certain frequency. The host phase near the conical tip nozzle forms acoustic vortex flow to promote the guest phase to enter the host phase, and the microfiber is formed by solidification under the irradiation of the UV equipment. The method for generating the microfiber comprises the following steps: S1, preparing the guest phase and the host phase; S2, extending the conical tip nozzle below the liquid surface of the host phase; S3, setting the pump-out flow q of the injection pump and the working parameters of the actuator. By forming the acoustic vortex flow effect of the host phase, the generation of microfibers with multiple types and special structures is promoted, so that the production efficiency of the microfiber is improved, and the types of the generated microfiber are increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of microfiber preparation technology, specifically to a microfiber preparation apparatus and a microfiber preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] Microfibers are a class of fiber materials with extremely fine diameters, high specific surface areas, and special physicochemical properties. Their high water absorption, environmental stimuli responsiveness, and weavability enable them to achieve large strain and high volumetric energy density, showing broad application prospects in wearable electronic devices and tissue engineering.

[0003] In common microfiber fabrication processes, the flow rate and volume of liquid inside and outside a coaxial capillary are typically controlled using an injection pump to adjust structural parameters such as the length, diameter, and pitch of the microfiber. This method enables large-scale production of helical microfiber materials. With the increasing application of microfiber materials, the market has higher standards and new demands for the stability of various structural parameters and the morphology of microfibers. In conventional microfiber fabrication processes, factors such as the injection pump's control of liquid flow rate, variations in the smoothness of the coaxial capillary's inner wall, and changes in liquid viscosity all ultimately affect various aspects of the final microfiber structural parameters, making it difficult to maintain consistency in the final product. Furthermore, the market demand for more complex microfiber structures, such as nodal microfibers and herringbone-like microfibers, is difficult to meet with conventional processes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to disclose a microfiber preparation device and a microfiber preparation method to meet market demands and stably generate microfiber materials with higher consistency in structural parameters and more complex structures.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention discloses a microfiber preparation apparatus, comprising: The object phase output mechanism includes a needle tube for temporarily storing the object phase, one end of which is provided with a conical tip nozzle for releasing the object phase, and the other end for replenishing the object phase; A solidification tank is used to hold the bulk phase, and the conical nozzle is submerged below the liquid surface of the bulk phase; The actuation mechanism includes a mounting bracket and an actuator. The mounting bracket is fixedly connected to the output mechanism of the object. The actuator is fixedly mounted on the mounting bracket along the radial direction of the needle tube, such that the direction of the vibration output by the actuator is perpendicular to the length direction of the needle tube.

[0006] As an optional implementation, the guest phase output mechanism further includes an injection pump and a Luer connector; the Luer connector is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket, one end of the Luer connector is connected to the end of the needle tube used to replenish the guest phase, and the other end of the Luer connector is connected to the injection pump through a tubing.

[0007] As an optional implementation, the mounting bracket has a cavity that mates with the Luer connector. The cavity has a locking block for positioning the Luer connector and a reinforcing opening for securing the Luer connector. The reinforcing opening has fasteners for further securing the Luer connector to the mounting bracket.

[0008] As an optional implementation, an imaging mechanism is also included, which includes a CCD camera and a display screen. The observation area of ​​the CCD camera is focused on the main phase area below the UV device, and the display screen is electrically connected to the CCD camera.

[0009] As an optional implementation, a UV device is provided outside the curing tank, which is used to irradiate the main phase region where the conical nozzle is located.

[0010] As an optional implementation, the solidification tank includes a receiving area and an overflow area, the bottom of the receiving area and the overflow area are connected, and the overflow area is provided with a drainage area for discharging excess liquid on the side away from the receiving area.

[0011] This invention also discloses a method for preparing microfibers, using the aforementioned microfiber preparation apparatus, comprising: S1. Prepare a 2% sodium alginate solution as the guest phase; prepare a 1% calcium chloride solution as the host phase; S2. Select a 30G metal-tipped dispensing needle and insert the conical nozzle 1mm-6.5mm below the liquid surface of the bulk phase; S3. Set the operating parameters of the device, including the pumping flow rate q of the injection pump being in the range of 5μL / min-30μL / min, the voltage U, frequency f1, and stopping frequency f2 of the current supplied to the actuator during operation; wherein, the voltage U is in the range of 20V-120V, the operating frequency f1 is in the range of 8.3kHz-9.2kHz, and the stopping frequency f2 is in the range of 2Hz-15Hz.

[0012] As an optional implementation, a device commissioning step S0 prior to microfiber production is also included: Set the voltage U to 20V, and slowly sweep across the working frequency f1 from 1kHz to 15kHz at 1kHz intervals, with each dwell time at the frequency being 30s, to check for any abnormal noises or loose parts in the actuation mechanism.

[0013] As an optional implementation, a 50% v / v aqueous solution of polyethylene glycol diacrylate is selected as the guest phase, and a light paraffin oil containing 2% v / v Span 80 is selected as the host phase; the pump flow rate q is set to 10 μL / min, the voltage U is 20V, the operating frequency f1 is 8.5kHz, and the stop frequency f2 is 5Hz; the UV device is turned on, and the UV device irradiates the host phase region where the conical nozzle is located, so that the guest phase forms nodal microfibers in the host phase.

[0014] As an optional implementation, a 50% v / v aqueous solution of polyethylene glycol diacrylate is selected as the guest phase, and a light paraffin oil containing 2% v / v Span 80 is selected as the host phase; the pump flow rate q is set to 10 μL / min, the voltage U is 20V, the operating frequency f1 is 6kHz, and the stop frequency f2 is 5Hz; the UV device is turned on, and the UV device irradiates the host phase region where the conical nozzle is located, so that the guest phase forms fishbone-like microfibers in the host phase.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: (1) The conical tip nozzle of the needle is immersed below the surface of the bulk phase liquid in the curing tank. The actuator is installed radially along the needle so that the direction of the actuator's output vibration is perpendicular to the length direction of the needle. This facilitates high-frequency radial oscillation of the needle, thereby achieving energy focusing at the needle. In addition, the conical tip nozzle with a tapered diameter reduction at the end of the needle promotes the formation of a high-velocity gradient acoustic vortex flow near the conical tip nozzle, referred to as "acoustic vortex flow". This causes the guest phase to form continuous microfibers with smaller diameter under the action of the acoustic vortex flow at the conical tip nozzle.

[0016] (2) By adjusting the pumping flow rate q, voltage U, working frequency f1 and stopping frequency f2 of the injection pump, the conical tip nozzle vibrates at a specific frequency, causing the main phase near the conical tip nozzle to form an acoustic vortex. Under the shearing and squeezing action of the acoustic vortex, the guest phase forms microfibers with diverse structures in the conical tip nozzle. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1This is an overall structural diagram of the device disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the mounting bracket disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the method disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 It is a waveform diagram of the composite frequency of the actuator input voltage; Figure 7 This is a graph showing how polyethylene glycol diacrylate node microfibers change with different modulation frequencies f2; Figure 8 This is a graph showing how the polyethylene glycol diacrylate node microfibers change with different flow rates q; Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the formation of nodal fibers (left) and fishbone-shaped microfibers (right).

[0019] Explanation of key figure labels: 1. Object phase output mechanism; 11. Luer connector; 111. Hose; 12. Needle; 121. Conical tip nozzle; 2. Actuating mechanism; 21. Mounting bracket; 211. Cavity; 212. Reinforcing port; 213. Locking block; 214. Mounting hole; 22. Actuator; 3. Curing tank; 31. Receiving area; 311. Acoustic eddy current; 32. Overflow area; 33. Drainage area; 331. Drainage pipe; 34. UV equipment; 4. Imaging mechanism; 41. CCD camera; 42. Display screen. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] In this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "middle," "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," and "longitudinal" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing the invention and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated devices, elements, or components to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0022] Furthermore, in addition to indicating direction or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in certain situations to indicate a dependency or connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0023] Furthermore, the terms "installation," "setup," "equipped with," "connection," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0024] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, components, or parts (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, components, or parts. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0025] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0026] Please see Figures 1 to 2 As shown, this application provides a microfiber preparation apparatus, including: The guest phase output mechanism 1 is used to temporarily store the guest phase solution. It includes a syringe 12, a syringe pump, and a Luer connector 11. One end of the Luer connector 11 is connected to the end of the syringe 12, and the other end is connected to the syringe pump via a flexible tube 111. The syringe pump controls the pumping rate of the guest phase. The syringe 12 releases the guest phase liquid. The end of the syringe 12 away from the Luer connector 11 has a conical nozzle 121 for releasing the guest phase, which is submerged below the surface of the main phase liquid. The syringe 12 transports the guest phase to the main phase. The conical nozzle 121, penetrating deep into the main phase, is a key component that causes the formation of acoustic vortices 311 in the main phase after the syringe 12 vibrates. The Luer connector 11 serves as a connector between the syringe 12 and the flexible tube 111. Different models of syringes 12 can be selected and assembled onto the Luer connector 11 according to production needs.

[0027] The actuation mechanism 2 includes a mounting bracket 21 and an actuator 22. One side of the mounting bracket 21 has a mounting hole 214 parallel to the radial direction of the needle tube 12. The actuator 22 is screwed into the mounting hole 214, making the actuator 22 perpendicular to the axial direction of the needle tube 12. This perpendicular positional relationship between the actuator 22 and the needle tube 12 facilitates the transmission of vibration to the needle tube 12, causing the needle tube 12 to tend to reciprocate radially in a single plane. This allows the conical nozzle 121 to form multiple pairs of oppositely oriented acoustic vortices 311 during the main phase's oscillation. Under the action of these acoustic vortices 311, the guest phase continuously flows out of the conical nozzle 121, forming a microfiber structure with uniform structural parameters.

[0028] Please see Figures 3 to 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the mounting bracket 21 has a cavity 211 for mating with the Luer connector 11. The cavity 211 has a locking block 213 for quickly positioning the Luer connector 11 and a reinforcing port 212 for securing the Luer connector 11. The reinforcing port 212 has fasteners for further securing the Luer connector 11 to the mounting bracket 21. Inserting the Luer connector 11 into the socket on the mounting bracket 21 completes the initial relative fixation between the Luer connector 11 and the mounting bracket. Then, by screwing a screw into the reinforcing port 212 to engage with the square nut on the mounting bracket 21, the Luer connector 11 is further securely fixed to the mounting bracket 21, preventing it from loosening over time.

[0029] Before assembling the Luer connector 11 or the actuator 22 onto the mounting bracket 21, epoxy resin can be applied to the cavity 211 of the mounting bracket 21 or to the area where the actuator 22 is threadedly connected to the mounting bracket 21 to improve the stability of the connection between the components and to facilitate the efficient transmission of the vibration generated by the actuator 22 to the needle tube 12.

[0030] In some embodiments, the device further includes an imaging mechanism 4, which includes a CCD camera 41 and a display screen 42. The observation area of ​​the CCD camera 41 is focused on the main phase region below the UV device 34, and the display screen 42 is electrically connected to the CCD camera 41. The curing tank 3 is generally made of transparent materials such as acrylic or glass. Utilizing the high-speed imaging function of the CCD camera 41, the process of microfiber curing and forming in the main phase can be captured, and the image or picture of the microfiber formation can be projected onto the display screen 42, allowing the user to monitor the microfiber production process in real time with the naked eye.

[0031] In some embodiments, the curing tank 3 is used to hold the host phase. The curing tank 3 includes a receiving area 31 and an overflow area 32. The bottom of the receiving area 31 and the overflow area 32 are connected. The overflow area 32 has a drainage area 33 on the side away from the receiving area 31 for draining excess liquid. As the guest phase continuously enters the host phase, the liquid level of the host phase in the curing tank 3 continuously increases. In order to keep the depth of the needle 12 inserted into the host phase within a suitable range and to keep the microfiber in normal production, it is necessary to drain the excess host phase to maintain a constant liquid level. Since the bottom of the overflow area 32 is connected to the receiving area 31, the excess host phase is discharged through the overflow area 32 to the drainage area 33 and flows out of the curing tank 3 through the drainage pipe 331 of the drainage area 33. Under the effect of the communicating vessel principle, the liquid level of the overflow area 32 and the receiving area 31 are kept at a constant height, so that the depth of the needle 12 inserted into the host phase is kept within a suitable range.

[0032] In some embodiments, a UV device 34 is provided outside the curing tank 3, which is used to irradiate the main phase region where the conical nozzle 121 is located.

[0033] UV equipment 34 typically emits ultraviolet light with wavelengths of 315nm-400nm. In actual production, UV lamps emitting 365nm ultraviolet light are generally used. Under ultraviolet irradiation, the chemical bonds of the guest phase molecules break, generating free radicals that initiate polymerization reactions, forming a three-dimensional network structure, and ultimately forming morphologically solidified microfibers. After the guest phase enters the host phase, its structural morphology gradually solidifies and accumulates at the bottom of the curing tank 3 under the irradiation of ultraviolet light released by UV equipment 34.

[0034] Please see Figures 5 to 6 As shown in the embodiments of this application, the disclosed microfiber preparation method includes the following steps: S1. Prepare a 2% sodium alginate solution as the guest phase; prepare a 1% calcium chloride solution as the host phase; S2. Select a 30G metal-tipped dispensing needle 12 and insert the conical nozzle 121 into the liquid surface of the bulk phase by 1mm-6.5mm. S3. Set the pump flow rate q of the syringe pump to a range of 5μL / min-30μL / min; set the operating parameters of the actuator 22, including voltage U, operating frequency f1, and stopping frequency f2; wherein, the voltage U ranges from 20V to 120V, the operating frequency f1 ranges from 8.3kHz to 9.2kHz, and the stopping frequency f2 ranges from 2Hz to 15Hz.

[0035] Regarding step S1, the reaction system with sodium alginate as the guest phase and calcium chloride as the host phase achieves rapid preparation of microfibers through ionic cross-linking reaction, which has the advantages of simple process, high biocompatibility and low cost.

[0036] Sodium alginate is a hydrophilic polymer with carboxylate (-COO) groups on its molecular chain. - It can react with divalent cations (such as Ca²⁺). + A cross-linking reaction occurs. The carboxylate ion reacts with Ca²⁺. + The combination forms an "egg-box structure" to construct a hydrogel network, which facilitates the formation of stable hydrogel fibers. The microfiber material formed by the guest phase made of sodium alginate solution is characterized by its naturalness, high biocompatibility, and biodegradability.

[0037] Calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution is inexpensive and readily available, making it suitable as a host phase with high ionic strength to provide Ca²⁺. + Its functions include: triggering Ca² + It reacts with the carboxylate group of sodium alginate to form an ionic bond network, enabling the dispersed phase droplets or fibers to solidify rapidly; maintaining the stability of the continuous phase: the high concentration of calcium chloride solution ensures that the cross-linking reaction proceeds efficiently, while avoiding excessive diffusion of the guest phase.

[0038] Regarding step S2, the diameter of the syringe 12 directly affects the size of the microfibers generated. A syringe 12 with a diameter that is too small is prone to generating excessively fine microfibers, which are structurally unstable and easily break; when the guest phase concentration is too high, it is also easy to clog the syringe 12. A syringe 12 with a diameter that is too large is not easy to form a periodic, regular oscillation, requires higher operating power from the equipment, and is not conducive to the discharge of the guest phase from the syringe 12.

[0039] Regarding step S3, by adjusting the pump flow rate q, voltage U, and operating frequency f1 and stopping frequency f2 of the injection pump, the conical nozzle 121 vibrates at a specific frequency. This causes the main phase near the conical nozzle 121 to form acoustic vortices 311 with opposite flow directions. Under the shearing and compression action of the acoustic vortices 311, the guest phase is formed into various complex microfibers in the conical nozzle 121. The node size of the microfibers changes with the stopping frequency f2. By controlling the opening / closing of the stopping frequency f2, the node formation of the microfibers can be controlled. By comprehensively combining a needle 12 of appropriate diameter, the pump flow rate q of the injection pump, and various operating parameters of the actuating components, it is possible to program microfibers of different morphologies.

[0040] Please see Figure 6 As shown, the horizontal axis of the coordinate system represents time t, and the vertical axis represents the operating voltage value U of actuator 22. Multiple horizontal lines represent the change in the stopping frequency f2. The length of the horizontal line coinciding with the horizontal axis indicates the duration when actuator 22 is not connected to voltage, and the length of the horizontal line parallel to the horizontal axis indicates the duration when actuator 22 is connected to voltage value U. The curve represents the change of the voltage value U connected to actuator 22 over time, and the number of cycles of voltage value U change per unit time is the operating frequency f1.

[0041] In some embodiments, the method for preparing droplets using the microfiber preparation device further includes an equipment debugging step S0 before microfiber production: The voltage U is set to 20V, and the operating frequency f1 is slowly swept from 1kHz to 15kHz at 1kHz intervals, with each dwell time at the frequency being 30s, to check whether the actuation mechanism 2 experiences abnormal noise or loose parts. Equipment debugging can expose problems that are detrimental to production due to objective factors such as component aging and operational errors in advance. This allows for early detection and resolution of problems, preventing adverse factors from affecting normal production and improving work efficiency.

[0042] In some embodiments, the needle tube 12 may also be a plastic-base ground needle or a polypropylene needle, with a needle diameter range of 18G-34G, and the length L of the needle tube 12 is ≥6.5mm.

[0043] Depending on actual production needs, different specifications of microfibers are required. Besides adjusting the structural parameters of the microfibers by regulating the equipment's operating parameters, the size of the needle 12 itself also affects the size of the microfibers. For example, a larger diameter needle 12 produces coarser microfibers, while a smaller diameter needle 12 produces finer microfibers. Furthermore, when different diameter needles 12 are used in the guest phase output device, the normal operating parameters of the equipment will be adjusted accordingly. For instance, to enable a larger diameter needle 12 to oscillate back and forth at a certain frequency in the host phase to promote the flow of the guest phase from the conical nozzle 121, a higher operating voltage U for the actuator 22 is required, and the operating frequency f1, stopping frequency f2, and pump flow rate q of the injection pump will also be adjusted accordingly.

[0044] In order to enable the conical nozzle 121 to form an acoustic vortex 311 in the bulk phase when it vibrates in the bulk phase, there are certain requirements for the depth H of the conical nozzle 121 immersed below the liquid surface of the bulk phase, which is generally 1mm-5mm. Therefore, the length L of the needle tube 12 is generally ≥6.5mm to ensure that the immersion depth of the conical nozzle 121 reaches a suitable range.

[0045] like Figures 7-8 As shown, in some embodiments, by setting different operating parameters, this microfiber preparation device can produce microfibers with diverse structures, thereby enabling the programming of microfibers with different structures and improving the accuracy and convenience of producing different microfibers.

[0046] like Figure 7 As shown, by sequentially setting the stopping frequency f2 to 1 Hz, 5 Hz, 8 Hz, 10 Hz, and 12 Hz, the number of nodes generated per unit length of node fiber gradually increases. This demonstrates that by setting different stopping frequencies f2, the node generation frequency of the node fiber can be controlled, thereby adapting to the generation processes of node fibers of various specifications. Adjusting the fine-tuning working frequency f1 in conjunction with this allows for adjustment of the diameter of the finest part of the microfiber.

[0047] like Figure 8 As shown, the volume V of the node in the microfiber cluster is positively correlated with the pump flow rate q within a certain range. By fine-tuning the pump flow rate q, and setting the pump flow rate q to 5 μL / min, 10 μL / min, 15 μL / min, and 30 μL / min in sequence, the change in the node volume V shows a significant upward trend.

[0048] like Figure 9As shown, in some embodiments, node microfibers refer to fiber structures with locally cross-linked reinforcement regions (nodes). These nodes form micro- or nano-scale densely cross-linked regions inside or on the surface of the fiber, thereby endowing the fiber with special mechanical properties, responsiveness, or functional characteristics. The nodes of node microfibers can be periodically distributed on the fiber (such as regularly arranged microspheres or microcrystals) or randomly distributed on the fiber (such as cross-linked rich regions formed by phase separation). Nodes, as "reinforcing points" of the fiber, can significantly improve the tensile strength, modulus, or toughness of the fiber; the flexible matrix (low-cross-linked regions) between the nodes provides a certain degree of stretchability, enabling the fiber to possess both rigidity and flexibility.

[0049] In some embodiments, when producing node microfibers with specific structural parameters, a 50% v / v PEGDA aqueous solution (polyethylene glycol diacrylate aqueous solution) is selected as the guest phase, and light paraffin oil is selected as the host phase, containing 2% v / v Span 80 solution. A plastic-base or metal-base grinding needle with a 30G orifice is used, the pump flow rate q is 10 μL / min, the voltage U is 20V, the operating frequency f1 is 8.5 kHz, and the stopping frequency f2 is 5 Hz. The average cross-sectional size of the generated node fibers is 230 μm, and the width of the node microfibers is 60 μm.

[0050] In some embodiments, fishbone-shaped microfibers are micron-sized fibers with a unique fishbone-shaped (or serrated) cross-sectional structure, whose morphology resembles the texture or serrated arrangement of fish bones, and are widely used in tissue engineering, flexible electronics, drug delivery, biomimetic materials and other fields.

[0051] In producing fishbone-like microfibers, a 50% v / v aqueous solution of polyethylene glycol diacrylate is selected as the guest phase, and a light paraffin oil containing 2% v / v Span 80 is selected as the host phase. A polypropylene needle with a 30G orifice is used, with a pump flow rate q of 10 μL / min, a voltage U of 20V, and an operating frequency f1 of 6kHz. Under these equipment operating parameters, a UV device 34 is also required to perform ultraviolet curing on the guest phase entering the host phase, so that the guest phase forms a stable fishbone-like microfiber structure within the host phase.

[0052] Sodium alginate solution is an ionically crosslinked polymer solution. When the guest phase of the sodium alginate solution enters the host phase, the crosslinking agent molecules / ions in the host phase diffuse into the interior of the guest phase, causing the guest phase to solidify into microfibers. PEGDA aqueous solution, as a photocrosslinked polymer solution, requires UV irradiation. The UV device 34 irradiates the host phase region where the conical nozzle 121 is located, activating the initiator in the polymer solution and causing the guest phase to solidify into microfibers within the host phase.

[0053] The technical means disclosed in this invention are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of this invention, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A microfiber preparation apparatus, characterized in that, include: The object phase output mechanism includes a needle tube for temporarily storing the object phase, one end of which is provided with a conical tip nozzle for releasing the object phase, and the other end for replenishing the object phase; A solidification tank is used to hold the bulk phase, and the conical nozzle is submerged below the liquid surface of the bulk phase; The actuation mechanism includes a mounting bracket and an actuator. The mounting bracket is fixedly connected to the output mechanism of the object. The actuator is fixedly mounted on the mounting bracket along the radial direction of the needle tube, such that the direction of the vibration output by the actuator is perpendicular to the length direction of the needle tube.

2. The microfiber preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guest phase output mechanism also includes an injection pump and a Luer connector; the Luer connector is fixedly connected to the mounting bracket, one end of the Luer connector is connected to the end of the needle tube used to replenish the guest phase, and the other end of the Luer connector is connected to the injection pump through a tubing.

3. The microfiber preparation apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting bracket has a cavity that mates with the Luer connector. The cavity has a locking block for positioning the Luer connector and a reinforcing opening for securing the Luer connector. The reinforcing opening has fasteners for fixing the Luer connector to the mounting bracket.

4. The microfiber preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an imaging mechanism, which includes a CCD camera and a display screen. The observation area of ​​the CCD camera is focused on the main phase area below the UV device, and the display screen is electrically connected to the CCD camera.

5. The microfiber preparation apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, A UV device is provided outside the curing tank, and the UV device is used to irradiate the main phase region where the conical nozzle is located.

6. The microfiber preparation apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The solidification tank includes a receiving area and an overflow area. The bottom of the receiving area is connected to the bottom of the overflow area. The overflow area has a drainage area on the side away from the receiving area for discharging excess liquid.

7. A method for preparing microfibers, using the microfiber preparation apparatus described in claims 1-6, characterized in that, include: S1. Prepare a 2% sodium alginate solution as the guest phase; A 1% calcium chloride solution was prepared as the main phase; S2. Select a 30G metal-tipped dispensing needle and insert the conical nozzle 1mm-6.5mm below the liquid surface of the bulk phase; S3. Set the operating parameters of the device, including the pumping flow rate q of the injection pump being in the range of 5μL / min-30μL / min, the voltage U, frequency f1, and stop frequency f2 of the current supplied to the actuator during operation; wherein, the voltage U is in the range of 20V-120V, the operating frequency f1 is in the range of 8.3kHz-9.2kHz, and the stop frequency f2 is in the range of 2Hz-15Hz.

8. The method for preparing microfibers according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes the equipment commissioning step S0 before microfiber production: Set the voltage U to 20V, and slowly sweep across the working frequency f1 from 1kHz to 15kHz at 1kHz intervals, with each dwell time at the frequency being 30s, to check for any abnormal noises or loose parts in the actuation mechanism.

9. The method for preparing microfibers according to claim 7, characterized in that, A 50% v / v aqueous solution of polyethylene glycol diacrylate was selected as the guest phase, and a light paraffin oil containing 2% v / v Span 80 was selected as the host phase. The pump flow rate q was set to 10 μL / min, the voltage U to 20V, the operating frequency f1 to 8.5kHz, and the stop frequency f2 to 5Hz. The UV device was turned on to irradiate the host phase region where the conical nozzle was located, causing the guest phase to form nodal microfibers in the host phase.

10. The method for preparing microfibers according to claim 7, characterized in that, A 50% v / v aqueous solution of polyethylene glycol diacrylate is selected as the guest phase, and a light paraffin oil containing 2% v / v Span 80 is selected as the host phase. The pump flow rate q is set to 10 μL / min, the voltage U is set to 20V, the operating frequency f1 is set to 6kHz, and the stop frequency f2 is set to 5Hz. The UV device is turned on to irradiate the host phase region where the conical nozzle is located, causing the guest phase to form fishbone-like microfibers in the host phase.

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