Electrostatic Spinning of 'Nanodenier' Fibers

This project involves the use of an electrostatic field to draw polymeric materials into fiber form. We have to date successfully spun poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) fibers with diameters between 100 and 500 nm. From the melt, we have spun polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylvinyl acetate, and poly(lactic acid) fibers in the 10 µm range. Potential applications include HEPA filters and insect barriers for nursery seedlings.

Funding from: Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station, New York State Center for Advanced Technology: Biotechnology Program, College of Human Ecology

Spinning detailPVA fibers

Spinning Detail

Electrospun PVA Fibers

Insect Barrier
Plant with Electrospun Insect Barrier

Hoffmann, M., Schwartz, P., and Baird, J., "Fiber Barriers for Control of Agricultural Pests." U. S. Patent 6,052,943, 4/25/2000.

Hoffmann, M. P., Kuhar, T. P., Baird, J. M., Gardner, J., Schwartz, P., and Shelton, A. M., Nonwoven Fiber Barriers for Control of Cabbage Maggot and Onion Maggot (Diptera: Anthomyiidae). J. Econ. Entomol., 94, 1485-1491 (2001).