Electrospinning Composition for Stable Nanostructure Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrospinning methods face challenges with viscosity changes and premature cross-linking, leading to interrupted flow and reduced efficiency in producing heat and solvent-resistant nano-/submicrostructures, especially when cross-linking occurs before or during the electrospinning process.
Innovation Solution
An electrospinning composition comprising a catalyst, such as tributyl amine, and a functionalized polymer or copolymer with epoxy rings, combined with an anhydride like phthalic anhydride, which maintains stability and allows for controlled self-crosslinking only upon thermal treatment, maintaining viscosity and enabling the production of heat and solvent-resistant nano-/submicrostructures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cross-linking agents are introduced to polymer solutions prior to electrospinning, then heat and solvent resistance of nano-/submicrostructures is improved, but viscosity of the electrospinning mixture increases and flow continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer chains are pre-functionalized with epoxy groups before electrospinning, but the actual cross-linking reaction is postponed until after fiber formation. This preliminary preparation of reactive groups without immediate reaction allows the solution to maintain proper viscosity for electrospinning while ensuring cross-linking capability for post-processing heat and solvent resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The process is divided into two distinct stages: (1) electrospinning stage using epoxy-functionalized polymer solution without cross-linking agents, and (2) post-cross-linking stage where cross-linking agents are applied to formed fibers. This segmentation separates the fiber formation process from the cross-linking process, avoiding viscosity issues during electrospinning while achieving the desired resistance properties
2Reliability
If cross-linking is performed externally on electrospun mats, then heat and solvent resistance is improved, but processing time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer is pre-functionalized with epoxy groups during polymer synthesis, so that when cross-linking agents are applied after electrospinning, the reaction occurs rapidly and efficiently. This preliminary functionalization reduces the actual cross-linking time compared to using non-functionalized polymers
3Reliability
If in-situ cross-linking is performed during electrospinning, then heat and solvent resistance is improved, but premature cross-linking causes nozzle choking and flow interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer chains are pre-functionalized with epoxy groups, but the cross-linking reaction is deliberately delayed until after fiber formation. The epoxy groups remain dormant during electrospinning and only react when cross-linking agents are introduced in the post-processing stage, eliminating nozzle choking while ensuring final product resistance
Solution Approach 2:
Cross-linking agents are introduced as an intermediary step after electrospinning, acting as a mediator that triggers the cross-linking reaction only after fibers are formed. This intermediary approach prevents direct interaction between cross-linking agents and the electrospinning process, avoiding flow interruption
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method ensures stable viscosity over extended processing times, prevents premature cross-linking, and produces highly resistant nano-/submicrostructures that maintain morphology and integrity even after exposure to solvents and elevated temperatures, while being cost-effective and suitable for various industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
individual polymer chains in a polymer solution are drawn as nano- or submicroscaled structures in form of fibers under high voltage typically through a nozzle/orifice with a very small diameter
Implementation Method 2
cross-linking can be initiated in-situ by introducing cross-linking agents to polymer solutions prior to electrospinning
Implementation Method 3
Chemical crosslinking is an effective way to deal with solvent and heat susceptibility of polymeric nano-/submicrostructures manufactured by electrospinning
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an electrospinning composition comprising a catalyst and a functionalized polymer or copolymer bearing one or more epoxy ring. The mixture further comprises an anhydride, preferably phthalic anhydride as a cross-linking agent. Wherein a molar ratio of epoxy to anhydride in the electrospinning composition is within the range of 1:1 to 50:1. The present invention further discloses a preparation method of the electrospinning composition and an electrospun nano-/submicrostructures prepared using the method and composite material comprising the electrospun nano-/submicrostructures.