25 May 2004; accepted 22 June 2004 | Thandavamoorthy Subbiah, G. S. Bhat, R. W. Tock, S. Parameswaran, S. S. Ramkumar
The article provides a comprehensive review of electrospinning, a technique used to produce nanofibers through the application of electrostatic forces. Electrospinning has gained significant attention due to its ability to create fibers with submicron diameters, which have various applications such as filter media, protective clothing, and tissue scaffolds. The process involves forcing a polymer solution or melt through a syringe pump, creating a charged jet that is directed towards a collector, where it dries and forms fibers. The article discusses the history of electrospinning, from its early developments in the 1930s to modern advancements. It also explores the fundamental aspects of the process, including jet initiation, bending instability, and the influence of various process parameters such as applied voltage, nozzle-collector distance, polymer flow rate, and environmental conditions. The article further examines the structure and morphology of electrospun nanofibers, their thermal and mechanical properties, and their applications in fields like catalysis, filtration, and drug delivery. The review highlights the potential of electrospinning for commercialization and the need for further research to optimize the process for practical use.The article provides a comprehensive review of electrospinning, a technique used to produce nanofibers through the application of electrostatic forces. Electrospinning has gained significant attention due to its ability to create fibers with submicron diameters, which have various applications such as filter media, protective clothing, and tissue scaffolds. The process involves forcing a polymer solution or melt through a syringe pump, creating a charged jet that is directed towards a collector, where it dries and forms fibers. The article discusses the history of electrospinning, from its early developments in the 1930s to modern advancements. It also explores the fundamental aspects of the process, including jet initiation, bending instability, and the influence of various process parameters such as applied voltage, nozzle-collector distance, polymer flow rate, and environmental conditions. The article further examines the structure and morphology of electrospun nanofibers, their thermal and mechanical properties, and their applications in fields like catalysis, filtration, and drug delivery. The review highlights the potential of electrospinning for commercialization and the need for further research to optimize the process for practical use.