Uniaxially aligned polyacrylonitrile nanofiber yarns prepared by a novel modified electrospinning method

A modified electrospinning setup was used to manufacture uniaxially aligned nanofiber yarns. Compared with the traditional electrospinning setup, two oppositely placed metal needles were employed and applied with positive and negative voltages respectively. Meanwhile, a neutral metal disc and hollow metal rod were placed oppositely in the middle of the two needles. Nanofibers ejected from two needles were oriented in the gap between the metal disc and the tapered sharp end of hollow metal rod. A nanofiber bundle was obtained and twisted by rotating the metal disc and fastening the hollow metal rod. After passing through the hollow metal rod, a yarn was continuously wound by a rotating take-up roll. The morphologies of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber yarns were characterized. It was found that well-aligned nanofiber yarns with the diameters varying from 52μm to 105μm were fabricated successfully by turning PAN concentrations. In addition, the mechanical behavior test showed that the yarns possessed proper mechanical properties, which could be used for potential applications such as composites and tissue engineering. A novel modified electrospinning apparatus, mainly consisting of two oppositely placed metal needles, oppositely placed metal disc and hollow metal rod, was used to prepare uniaxially aligned PAN nanofiber yarn successfully. [Display omitted] •Novel A novel modified eletrospining apparatus was reported.•The apparatus consisting of two opposite metal disc and hollow metal rod.•Uniaxial aligned PAN nanofiber yarn was obtained.