Effect of electrospinning parameters on morphology of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers

Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers were manufactured using the electrospinning process. The electrospinning processing parameters like applied voltage (KV), polymer solution concentration (wt.%), polymer flow rate (ml/hr.), the distance between needle and collector (cm), and collector drum rotational speed were studied to investigate its effect on the morphology of fibers, fiber diameter, and its distribution. The results showed that the minimum fiber diameter value of 0.122 ± 0.056 µm was obtained at a high amount of applied voltage (22KV) with a 20 wt.% lower polymer concentration. The experimental investigation shows broader fiber diameter distribution with an increase in applied voltage (above 18KV). Uniform bead-free fibers were obtained at higher concentrations (above 22 wt.%) wherein the fibers were transformed from beaded geometry to uniform with an increase in voltage. The average fiber diameter values were observed to be in the range of 0.122 ± 0.056 µm to 0.370 ± 0.217 µm.