Droplet-Jet Shape Parameters Predict Electrospun Polymer Nanofiber Diameter

The relationships between observable features of the droplet-jet shape and the diameter of electrospun nanofiber were studied. Three shape parameters were derived from optical images of the jet emerging from a droplet. They are: Left-Right (L-R) curvature, initial jet diameter, and transition slope. Fiber diameter increased as each shape parameter increased. The relation between initial jet diameter and fiber diameter, as well as the relation between transition slope and fiber diameter, were not affected by the variation of voltage or viscosity of the polymer solution. Ambient temperature and humidity were controlled. Day-to-day variations in other ambient conditions that might have occurred in the laboratory do not invalidate these relationships.