Primary Research Focus
The students primary focus is on the electrospinning process and the production of polymer nanofibers in a pure research environment.  In a pure research environment, the students are focused on the process or electrospinning more than they are actually creating a usable, marketable product. The students have research experimental  variables such as polymer properties (viscosity, weight percentage, molecular weight), field strength (voltage and distance), station apparatus (polymer syringe angle, collection plate material), environmental factors (temperature, humidity, etc.) fiber alignment, and many other factors.

However, many students have begun performing applied research.  They have been developing ideas towards applications for their electrospun fibers.


 Below are images from some of the past students' team research.
 
  Silver Embedded Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Antibacterial Nanofibers
 Mineweaser Industries (2009-2010 Research Team)
    Research Statement:

To create silver embedded nanofiber mats for antibacterial purposes and applications.
 

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  Electrospinning Magnetically Respondent Fibers
 PolyLogic (2008-2009 Research Team)
    Research Statement:

We will create ferrous polymers and examine the impact of different concentrations of iron oxide within the polymer solution on the magnetic properties of the fibers.


 

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  Polymer Air Filter Studies
 G'Nome Industries (2008-2009 Research Team)
    Research Statement:

The objective of our research is to develop air filters from electrospun polyethylene oxide nano-fibers. By developing filters with varying concentration of fibers, we will be able to determine the validity of nano-fiber air filters.

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  Electrospinning Envelope Cone Studies
 NanoKnights (2008-2009 Research Team)
    Research Statement:

Altering the mass percent of Polyethylene Oxide and Deionized water solution when electrospun will vary the area of the envelope cone. This experiment will compare the results of a 3%, 4%, 5%, and 6% Polyethylene Oxide Solution. The data should then be able to create a mathematical model to determine the area of the envelope cone depending of the mass percent of the solution.

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  Aligned Nanofiber Studies
 Aperture Science (2008-2009 Research Team)
    Research Statement:

Electrospinning to a stationary copper plate produces a random mass of fibers in the center of the plate. Under the microscope, these fibers are completely random to how they lay onto the plate. Aperture Science is researching to counteract these random effects of electrospinning with a moving surface.

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  Voltage Effects on Fiber Diameter
 Electro-Maniacs (2006-2007 Research Team)
    Research Statement:

Altering the voltage level used to electrospin the Polyethylene Oxide and Deionized Water solution will alter the diameter of the fibers developed in a consistent manner.  This test will compare the results of using 10kV, 15kV, 20kV, and 25kV.  The data from this experiment could then be used to develop a formula from the best-fit line to be able to estimate fiber diameter at different voltage levels.

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