The ultimate functionality and applicability of polymeric nanofibers are mainly to subject on its diameter. This study explores the influence of melt flow rates (MFRs) of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) on the diameter of laser melt electrospun nanofibers. Ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer was added to the nonpolar LDPE as a spinning aid. After electrospinning, the EVOH was removed from LDPE/EVOH blend fiber by treating with isopropanol/water solution and LDPE nanofiber was obtained with a diameter of only 190 +/- 85 nm for the highest MFR. A linear diameter reduction was observed for pure LDPE and EVOH removed LDPE fiber with the increase of MFR. However, a slight diameter increment was reported for the LDPE/EVOH blend fiber with higher MFR due to the improved melt viscosity of the component. A massive diameter decrement was found after EVOH removal from the blended fiber, resulting in the renovation of microfiber to a stable nanoscale dimension.

• Journal: Journal Of Applied Polymer Science
• Volume: 138
• Issue:
• Pages:
• ISSN: 0021-8995
• DOI:
• Year: 2021
• Number: 11
• Type: Journal Article