Solution blow spinning of polyvinylidene fluoride for energy harvesting: parameter optimization for piezoelectric properties using DOE
摘要
Solution blow spinning is an emerging technology for non-woven fabric production. This technique uses aerodynamic force for fibre production, facilitating the formation of micro- and nanoscale fibres from a wide range of polymers. The technique is cost-effective, versatile, and gives a high production rate. The fibre morphology and formation of polymorphic phases are influenced by several factors, including solution, process, and environmental variables. This research study underscores optimizing solution blowing process parameters for obtaining the maximum beta phase in solution-blown polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fibres. Parameters such as air pressure, solution flow rate, and nozzle diameter were systematically varied to achieve maximum beta phase and optimal fibre morphology. First, a Taguchi design was employed to determine the most significant factors affecting the formation of the beta phase, followed by a 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken design selecting the critical factors derived from the Taguchi method to effectively construct a regression model for predicting the beta phase in PVDF fibers. The fibers obtained had sub-micrometer diameters and were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to evaluate their structural and piezoelectric properties. The proposed quadratic model shows that the beta phase was in good agreement with the actual values obtained. The maximum beta phase obtained was up to 96%, which confirmed enhanced piezoelectric properties compared to those obtained from other fibre production techniques.
Graphical abstract