A Continuous Manufacturing Approach for Aligned PVDF Nanofiber Yarns with Enhanced Mechanical and Piezoelectric Properties
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: -hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) nanofibers possess desirable mechanical and piezoelectric properties, making them promising candidates for smart textiles if they can be assembled into continuous yarns. This study presents a manufacturing approach that enables the production of electrospun PVDF-HFP nanofiber yarns using an automated parallel track system and an adjustable roll-to-roll collector. Results show that this approach has potential for PVDF yarn manufacturing on a commercial scale. Electrospun yarns have previously been fabricated with self-bundling methods, but current technologies are limited by production limitations such as the lack of tight control over assembly parameters and the absence of a postdrawing process. Postdrawing was applied here to individual fibers before yarn spinning to enhance fiber strength by over two times and yarn strength by 39%. The piezoelectrical performance of yarns was enhanced by up to 45% with postdrawing. Continuous PVDF-HFP yarns with specific strength approaching 50,000 N m/kg and a relative β phase content of 97% are promising candidates for piezoelectric nanofiber-based smart textiles, which can be integrated into various wearable devices and intelligent garments.
Source: ACS Applied Polymer Materials
Authors: Adaugo Enuka, Mohamad Keblawi, Emmet Sedar, Vince Beachley
Institution: Rowan University
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,500
OpenAlex ID: W4409780206