The interplay between conductivity and viscosity in electrospinning charged biopolymers

Electrospinning is a valuable polymer processing technique, producing ultrafine fibers with applications in filtration and biomedicine. However, the scope of its impact is narrow due to the limited range of materials compatible with the process. This study reveals conductivity as a pivotal variable governing formation of smooth fibers in charged biopolymer systems. The conventional reliance on rheology to identify the entanglement concentration and tie it to spinnability faced limitations in this two-polymer system comprising polyethylene oxide and sodium alginate. These conclusions can be applied to design electrospinning solutions that expand the range of processable materials, with focus on environmental sustainability. Graphical abstract