(Newswire.net — May 3, 2019) — We are already seeing nanomaterials application in a wide range of sectors, both at an academic level and in manufacturing processes across the world, even to the point of being scalable to mass production.
The properties of the nanoparticles are useful in everything from the production of specialist materials and fabrics, to the creation of pharmaceuticals and use in medicine. The procurement of electrospinning equipment and the set up and training of engineers to use it is relatively quick and cheap, the only limit is to how innovative companies and research laboratories can be in their application and use of raw materials.
What successful applications can be found so far
Due to the versatility of the materials, and the huge range of raw materials that can be used to produce different properties in the end product, we are only just really starting to understand the full potential of nanomaterials.
Take the example of wound patches, or organ membranes used in surgery. Using electrospinning it is possible to create a material that acts as artificial living tissue in place of a real tissue skin graft or other biological option. It can also be used in hernia repair and as a protective barrier around a damaged organ. The properties in this instance are very important as it need to mold with actual living tissue.
Other medicinal uses include the implantation of slow drug release medical implants, controlling the release of medicine into the bloodstream and body.
Conversely it also has great usage acting as a protective coating for other materials. For example as wraps on furniture, or in encapsulation of pharmaceutical drugs than can protect the drugs in transit and during release into the digestive system without being damaged by bacteria.
And of course it is important to mention the application of nanotechnology in the creation of fabric – given it is the textile industry that first developed nanofibers. Where clothing needs to be lightweight and breathable – for example seamless sportswear – or it needs to protect the wearer from toxic substances yet still allow ordinary airflow, then nanofibers are up to meeting those requirements. From there it is only a short leap into the creation of air masks and air filtration systems.
Nanomaterials are revolutionising the advancement of new materials all the time, and new research findings are being released all the time. Some of the experiments into the creation of food is fascinating. How long before we are able to produce nutritional artificial food?
How does electrospinning work?
Although the actual physics are quite complex, and involve altering materials at a molecular level and more than a passing level of knowledge about polymers and electrostatics, the theory behind electrospinning and being able to operate the machinery is relatively simple.
It involves using an electrical force to pull charged threads of polymer melts or solutions. The fascinating thing about it is that almost any substance or material can be made into a polymer, including ceramics and metal. The solution of polymers, solvents and other components is prepared and molecular chain entanglement takes place. Then the solution is ready for spinning. The solution is red through capillaries and a high voltage applied that draws the material into a jet that can be whipped or spun into fibers while the solvents are evaporated.
Finally the dry fiber is formed into a membrane or material, depending on the intended use. This can be quite wide ranging, and so although the science behind it all remains exactly the same, the electrospinning machines must be correct for the type of usage as defined by the manufacturer.