Continuous aligned polymer fibers produced by a modified electrospinning method

A novel and simple technique of manufacturing uniaxially aligned electrospun fibers with diameter of sub-micrometers is described. Compared with typical electrospinning setup, two oppositely placed metallic needles are used, and they are connected to positive and negative voltages, respectively. Fibers coming out of the two needles combine in a yarn, which is wound by a cylinder collector rotating at a high speed. Fibers manufactured by this method are continuous, well-aligned, and can be deposited over a large area. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) are used to manufacture aligned fibers. An analysis of the possible mechanism of the fibers alignment is given. The influences of the concentration of the solution and the take-up velocity on the alignment of fibers were investigated. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.