Production and analysis of extremely fine polymeric fibers created by the application of an electric field

An electric field was applied to aqueous solutions of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl pyrrolidone to produce fibers having diameters ranging from 100 to 1000 nanometers. Different concentrations and degrees of polymerization were used to modify solution properties such as viscosity, resistivity, and surface tension. Fiber diameters were measured using light microscopy and birefringence was measured with polarized light microscopy to determine molecular orientation. Linear regression analysis was used to relate solution properties and applied electric field to fiber diameter and birefringence. Decreased viscosity was associated with smaller diameters and produced higher birefringence. Lower viscosity allowed the jet to be drawn to finer diameters and produced higher molecular orientations. Increased applied electric field corresponded with smaller diameters and higher birefringence. The velocity of the jet increased with increasing electric field resulting in higher strain rates. Higher strain rates increased the draw ratio and molecular orientation.