Optimization of the parameters involved in fabrication of solid state polymerized polyamide (SSP PA66) nanofibers via an enhanced electro-centrifuge spinning

The Taguchi method was adopted to optimize the fabrication condition of solid state polymerized polyamide (SSP PA66) nanofibers with respect to minimizing nanofiber diameter. A novel fabrication system called air-sealed centrifuge electrospinning was used for preparing high-quality nanofibers. In this study, solution concentration, rotational speed, syringe content, and applied voltage were selected as key parameters affecting the diameter of the fabricated nanofibers. The morphology of the electrospun nanofibers was analyzed by using the field-emission scanning electron microscope. Nanofiber diameters ranging from 20 to 250 nm were successfully controlled by the Taguchi method, and the statistical data based on experimental results indicated that the syringe content and rotational speed had greater influences (35.76% and 23.93%, respectively) on nanofiber diameter than did solution concentration and voltage (21.36% and 11.49%, respectively). Lower syringe content as well as higher rotational speed decreased the nanofiber diameter. The minimum concentration and applied voltage decreased the diameter of SSP PA66 nanofibers. Additionally, altering rotational speed and syringe content had no influence on crystalline behavior of nanofibers.