Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

8-1-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering (MSE)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Arturo Fuentes

Second Advisor

Horacio Vasquez

Third Advisor

Victoria Padilla

Abstract

Nanofibers are an emerging class of nanomaterials that can be fabricated using different spinning techniques, including Forcespinning®, electrospinning, and electro-centrifugal spinning. Forcespinning® utilizes centrifugal force to stretch a polymer solution or melt into fine fibers, while electrospinning relies on a high-voltage electric field between the spinning nozzle and collector to draw and deposit fibers. Electro-centrifugal spinning combines both centrifugal and electrostatic forces, integrating key aspects of the two approaches to facilitate nanofiber formation. Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) and Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers were formed with both electrospinning and electro-centrifugal spinning methods to assess the differences between the two methods across two solution systems. PVDF-HFP nanofibers were formed using 18% polymer weight with dimethylacetamide (DMA) and acetone (Ace) with a 1:1 weight ratio. Carbon black powder was introduced as an additive for the PVDF-HFP nanofibers for hydrophobic aerodynamic applications in a wind tunnel and possible piezoelectric applications. PAN nanofibers were produced at 9% polymer weight with a dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent. Both solution systems were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to understand morphology and alignment of nanofibers.

Comments

Copyright 2026 Andres Armendariz. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3409153898

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