Electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) solution: Effect of conductive additive and filler on the process

Electrospinning utilizes electric forces and hence the electrical properties of the solution have an effect the process. The study examined the effect of conductive additive and filler on the electrospinning process with polyacrylonitrile (PAN). Electrospinning trials were performed using a pure PAN solution, a salt-containing solution, and a solution containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Different nozzle sizes were used, and the spinning voltage and distance were also varied. The composition of the solution had a greater effect on fibre diameter than varying the process parameters. Conductivity of the solution increased the probability of process problems such as the formation of three-dimensional (3D) structures and the occurrence of larger, micro-sized fibres. When the viscosity of the solution was increased, as was the case with the PAN/CNT solution, the severity of the problems became less acute than with the PAN/Salt solution.