Electrospinning of cellulose nanofiber and poly(vinyl alcohol) blend: experiment and simulation

This paper reports an electrospinning of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) blend for fabricating nanocellulose based long filament in terms of experiment and simulation. To enhance spinnability, Triton X-100 and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was introduced as a surfactant and cosolvent, respectively. Parameters governing the electrospinning of CNF-PVA blend are voltage, spinning speed, nozzle diameter, the distance between the electrodes, and the viscosity of the blend. Node-based analysis of the electrospinning is performed with electrostatic field modeling via MATLAB software. With the simulation results, proper combinations of parameters are determined for CNF-PVA electrospinning. Furthermore, empirical demonstration of the CNF-PVA electrospinning is achieved. Electospun nanofiber mat is investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy.