Partnerships and Technology Transfer

Technology Summary

The compact nanofiber production unit can produce a variety of ceramic and metallic nanofibers using very low power output and a low voltage direct current (DC) input. The unique dispenser, which uses a number of solid needles on a rotating helix instead of a syringe needle, facilitates mass production of large amounts of nanofibers in a short amount of time.

The Invention

Conventional electrospinning units use sophisticated power supply units, which are bulky systems with high input voltage and power outputs running into hundreds of watts. In contrast, the Compact Nanofiber Electrospinner system can be operated with a 9V battery, like the average Duracell battery, as well as a 12V DC adapter, like the ones used by laptop computers. The system is a versatile unit employing a syringe-needled spinneret, which produces material analogous to the thread of a spider for nanofiber prototyping. The system can be fitted with a needle-less helical spinneret for mass production. The system produces thicker nanofiber mats using a specially-designed corona ionizer.

Benefit

The device is smaller, lighter-weight, and simpler than most conventional electrospinning units. It’s also much safer to use due to its limited output power, which only goes up to a few watts. The device is cheap, compact, and versatile.

Applications and Industries

• Research labs, educational institutes

• Air/water filtration

• Face mask to protect smoke, dusts, pollen

• Textile industry

• Wound dressing