Process Dynamics and Control Analysis for Electrospinning Nanofibers

In many emerging, high value electrospinning applications, the diameter distribution of electrospun fibers has important implications for the product’s performance and process reproducibility. However, the current state-of-the-art electrospinning process results in diameter distribution variations, both during a run and run-to-run. To address these problems, a vision-based, open loop system has been developed to better understand the process dynamics. The effects of process parameters on fiber diameter distributions are investigated, process dynamics are identified, and the relation between measurable variables and the resulting fiber diameter distribution is analyzed.