Nanofiber

SEM image of nanofibers.

Nanofibers are defined as fibers with diameters less than 100 nanometers.[1] In the textile industry, this definition is often extended to include fibers as large as 1000 nm diameter.[2] They can be produced by melt processing, interfacial polymerization, electrospinning, antisolvent-induced polymer precipitation and electrostatic spinning.[3] Carbon nanofibers are graphitized fibers produced by catalytic synthesis.

Accomplishments relating to nanofiber production

Continuous production of nanofibers webs with high mechanical efficiency

Traditional and untraditional cross-linking of nanofibers and nanofiber webs

Production of bicomponent nanofibers, for filtration, drug delivery and other usages

Production of pattern, aligned and three-dimensional nanofibers materials

Production of short, or staple, nanofibers with controlled aspect ratios using antisolvent-induced polymer precipitation (XanoShear)

Coaxial electrospinning - needle electrospinning

Bi-component nanofibers produced by islands-in-the-sea melt processing (Hills, Inc.)

Needle-less electrospinning (weir spinner).

Production of composite materials consisting of electrospun layers with incorporated powder between nanofibers or inside nanofibers.

Production of hybrid yarns

Synthesis

Inorganic nanofibers can be prepared from various kinds of inorganic substances by several techniques. The most frequently mentioned ceramic materials with nanofiber morphology are titanium dioxide (TiO2), silicon dioxide (SiO2), zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12), titanium nitride (TiN) or platinum (Pt). Production methods include direct drawing from a solution, melt processing, antisolvent-induced polymer precipitation, electrospinning or "island in the sea".[4]

Potential applications

Nanofibers have applications in medicine, including artificial organ components, tissue engineering, implant material, drug delivery,[5] wound dressing, and medical textile materials. Recently, researchers have found that nanofiber meshes could be used to fight against the HIV-1 virus, and be able to be used as a contraception. In wound healing nanofibers assemble at the injury site and stay put, drawing the body's own growth factors to the injury site. Protective materials include sound absorption materials, protective clothings against chemical and biological warfare agents, and sensor applications for detecting chemical agents. Nanofibers have also been used in pigments for cosmetics.

Applications in the textile industry include sport apparel, sport shoes, climbing, rainwear, outerwear garments, baby diapers.[6] Napkins with nanofibers contain antibodies against numerous biohazards and chemicals that signal by changing color (potentially useful in identifying bacteria in kitchens).

Filtration system applications include HVAC system filters, HEPA, ULPA filters, air, oil, fuel filters for automotive, filters for beverage, pharmacy, medical applications, filter media for new air and liquid filtration applications, such as vacuum cleaners.

Energy applications include Li-ion batteries, photovoltaic cells, membrane fuel cells, and dye-sensitized solar cells. Other applications are micropower to operate personal electronic devices via piezoelectric nanofibers woven into clothing, carrier materials for various catalysts, and photocatalytic air/water purification

Self-twisting

Self-brading of nanofibers is related to a balance between flexibility, adhesion, and evaporation of solvent. Its potential applications include:[7] substances that can change optical properties on demand, molecule capture and release for e.g. timed drug delivery, energy storage, and adhesives

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Nanotechnology Task Force". Berlin: Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing. 24 March 2011. Taken from ISO/TS 27687:2008 Nanotechnologies - Terminology and definitions for nano-objects - Nanoparticle, nanofibre and nanoplate. |chapter= ignored (help)
  2. ↑ Zhou, Feng-Lei; Gong, Rong-Hua (2008). "Manufacturing technologies of polymeric nanofibres and nanofibre yarns". Polymer International 57 (6): 837–845. doi:10.1002/pi.2395. ISSN 0959-8103.
  3. ↑ electrostatic spinning, retrieved 8 December 2014
  4. ↑ Xiangwu Zhang, Ph.D., Xiangwu (1 January 2014). Fundamentals of Fiber Science (1st ed.). Lancaster PA: DEStech Publications, Inc. p. 426. ISBN 978-1-60595-119-5. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  5. ↑ Nagy ZK, Zsombor K.; Balogh A; Vajna B; Farkas A; Patyi G; Kramarics A; Marosi G (2011). "Comparison of Electrospun and Extruded Soluplus-Based Solid Dosage Forms of Improved Dissolution". Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 101 (1): 322–32. doi:10.1002/jps.22731. PMID 21918982.
  6. ↑ Topic of the month: Commercialization potential of nanofiber textile membranes - Opinions of Professor Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi - Nafigate
  7. ↑ Nests, Braids And Twists, On The Nano Scale