Abstract
A method for producing one or more nanofibers includes providing (a) a solution comprising a polymer and a solvent, (b) a nozzle for ejecting the solution, and (c) a stationary collector disposed a distance d apart from the nozzle. A voltage is applied between the nozzle and the stationary collector, and a jet of the solution is ejected from the nozzle toward the stationary collector. An electric field intensity of between about 0.5 and about 2.0 kV/cm is maintained, where the electric field intensity is defined as a ratio of the voltage to the distance d. At least a portion of the solvent from the stream is evaporated, and one or more polymer nanofibers are deposited on the stationary collector as the stream impinges thereupon. Each polymer nanofiber has an average diameter of about 500 nm or less and may serve as a precursor for carbon fiber production.
| Original language | English (US) |
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| U.S. patent number | 8608992 |
| Filing date | 9/23/11 |
| State | Published - Dec 17 2013 |