Spinning solution flow model in the nozzle and experimental study of nanofibers fabrication via high speed centrifugal spinning

Comparing with traditional methods, high speed centrifugal spinning has the advantages of simple fabrication principle and high preparation efficiency. In this study, the flow law of spinning solution in the nozzle and the effect of spinning parameters on the morphology of nanofibers were explored. A motion model of spinning solution in the nozzle was established to study the velocity distribution of spinning solution in the nozzle, moreover, the relationship between the critical rotational speed required to form the jet and the spinning parameters was studied. It was found that the current velocity of spinning solution was mainly concentrated at the axis of the nozzle and shifted in the direction of Coriolis acceleration. The relationship between spinning parameters and the critical rotational speed was verified. The critical rotational speed for forming the spinning jet was directly proportional to the spinning solution concentration and inversely proportional to the nozzle diameter. Polyoxyethylene (PEO) nanofibers were fabricated by selectively adjusting spinning parameters and characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the diameter distribution of nanofibers could be adjusted by changing the spinning parameters, such as spinning solution concentration, rotational speed, nozzle length, nozzle diameter and collection distance. The high speed centrifugal spinning has the potential to produce single continuous nanofibers efficiently. [Display omitted] •The flow state of the spinning solution in the nozzle is laminar during high speed centrifugal spinning.•The current velocity of spinning solution is mainly concentrated at the axis of the nozzle.•The critical rotational speed is directly proportional to the spinning solution concentration.•The diameter of nanofibers could be adjusted by spinning solution concentration, rotational speed and collection distance.