Statistical Modeling and Optimization of Electrospinning for Improved Morphology and Enhanced β-Phase in Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nanofibers

Asra Tariq; Amir H Behravesh; Utkarsh; Ghaus Rizvi

doi:10.3390/polym15224344

Statistical Modeling and Optimization of Electrospinning for Improved Morphology and Enhanced β-Phase in Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nanofibers

Polymers (Basel). 2023 Nov 7;15(22):4344. doi: 10.3390/polym15224344.

Authors

Asra Tariq¹, Amir H Behravesh¹, Utkarsh¹, Ghaus Rizvi¹

Affiliation

¹ Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, ON L1G 0C5, Canada.

Abstract

The fabrication of PVDF-based nanofiber mats with enhanced β-phase using electrospinning and post processing was optimized using Taguchi design methodology. The parameters studied include the concentration of PVDF in the DMF (Dimethylformamide) solvent, applied voltage, flow rate, and drum speed. A reliable statistical model was obtained for the fabrication of bead-free PVDF nanofibers with a high fraction of β-phase (F(β)%). The validity of this model was verified through comprehensive regression analysis. The optimized electrospinning parameters were determined to be a 23 wt% PVDF solution, 20 kV voltage, a flow rate of 1 mL/h, and a drum speed of 1200 revolutions per minute.

Keywords: PVDF; Taguchi design method; electrospinning; piezoelectric; β-phase.

Grants and funding

This research was supported by funds provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) under project DDG-2023-00033.