A Finite Element Method for Determining the Mechanical Properties of Electrospun Nanofibrous Mats

Polymers 2024
Jaymin Vrajlal Sanchaniya, Inga Ļašenko, Valters Gobins, Alaa Kobeissi, Dmitri Goljandin

This study focuses on the mechanical properties of electrospun nanofibrous mats, highlighting the importance of the characteristics of single nanofibers in determining the overall mechanical behavior of the mats. Recognizing the significant impacts of the diameter and structural properties of the nanofibers, this research introduces a novel methodology for deriving the effects of the mechanical properties of single nanofibers on the aggregate mechanical performance of electrospun oriented nanofiber mats. For this purpose, a finite element method (FEM) model is developed to simulate the elastoplastic response of the mats, incorporating the influence of structural parameters on mechanical properties. The validation of the FEM model against experimental data from electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers with different orientations demonstrates its effectiveness in capturing the elastic–plastic tensile behaviors of the material and confirms its accuracy in terms of reflecting the complex mechanical interactions within the nanofibrous mats. Through a detailed analysis of how nanofiber diameter, orientation of fibers, length-to-width ratio, and porosity affect the mechanical properties of the mats, this research provides valuable insights for the engineering of nanofibrous materials to meet specific mechanical requirements. These findings improve our understanding of nanofibrous mat structures, allowing for better performance in diverse applications as well as highlighting the critical importance of identifying the properties of single nanofibers and their associated impacts on material design.

Keywords
electrospinning; nanofibers; finite element method; oriented structures; random structures
DOI
10.3390/polym16060852
Hyperlink
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/16/6/852

Sanchaniya, J.V., Ļašenko, I., Gobins, V., Kobeissi, A., Goljandin, D. A Finite Element Method for Determining the Mechanical Properties of Electrospun Nanofibrous Mats. Polymers, 2024, Vol. 16, No. 6, Article number 852. ISSN 2073-4360. Available from: doi:10.3390/polym16060852

Publication language
English (en)