Multicomponent Nanofibers With Dipole Layering
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for customizable and uniquely arranged bicomponent or multicomponent fibers that provide specific structural and functional benefits in various applications, such as medical garments, insulation, filters, and tissue engineering scaffolds, where existing fibers lack the necessary properties.
Innovation Solution
The development of bicomponent or multicomponent nanofibers with distinct polymer layers, where the first layer has a high dipole moment (greater than 2 D) and the second layer has a low dipole moment (less than 1 D), and optionally a third layer with a dipole moment equal to or greater than 1 D, are produced using electrospinning techniques with coaxial or islands-in-sea structures, allowing for tailored properties like hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, and particulate matter retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional single-component fibers are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the fibers lack customized structural and functional properties needed for specific applications
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber is divided into multiple distinct layers (first layer with high dipole moment polymer, second layer with low dipole moment polymer, and optionally third layer) with different functionalities. Each layer can be independently designed and controlled, allowing customization of surface properties, mechanical strength, and functional characteristics while maintaining a manageable layered structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite fiber structures combining polymers with different dipole moments (e.g., polar polymers like polyacrylonitrile or polyvinylidene fluoride in the first layer with non-polar polymers like polypropylene or polyethylene in the second layer) to achieve synergistic properties that neither material could provide alone, enabling tailored surface energy, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, and particulate matter retention.
2Reliability
If multiple polymer layers with different dipole moments are incorporated, then surface energy control and particulate matter retention are improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrospinning device uses a nested coaxial spinneret configuration where the second channel (supplying low dipole moment polymer) is positioned inside the first channel (supplying high dipole moment polymer), and optionally a third channel inside the second channel. This nested structure enables simultaneous extrusion of multiple polymer solutions in concentric layers, achieving complex multicomponent fiber structures through a single integrated device rather than multiple separate processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls the dipole moment parameter of each polymer layer to achieve desired surface energy characteristics. By selecting polymers with specific dipole moments (first layer >2 D, second layer <1 D, third layer ≥1 D if present), the process optimizes particulate matter retention and wettability properties while managing manufacturing complexity through parameter-based material selection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If polymers with different dipole moments are used, then hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity can be controlled, but the selection and processing requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The invention systematically varies the dipole moment parameter of polymers across different layers to control hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity. The first layer uses high dipole moment polymers (>2 D) for hydrophilic surface properties, the second layer uses low dipole moment polymers (<1 D) for hydrophobic properties, and the optional third layer uses polymers with intermediate or high dipole moments (≥1 D). This parameter-based approach provides a clear framework for material selection and solution preparation, making the manufacturing process more predictable despite the complexity of using multiple polymer types.
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 resulting nanofibers exhibit enhanced mechanical properties, controlled surface energy, and specific functionalities, making them suitable for applications like filtration, drug delivery, and multifunctional web production, with the ability to grab and retain particulate matter effectively.
Implementation Method 1
electrospinning the solutions, through the respective channels, onto the surface of a substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and method for forming bicomponent or multicomponent nanofibers.