Electrospinning apparatus and method for forming aligned fibres

Abstract

A spinning apparatus ( 1 ) for forming aligned fibres, the apparatus ( 1 ) comprises a nozzle ( 12 ) for ejecting material (P) for forming fibres from a tip thereof, an electrode ( 14 A, 14 B), a substrate (S) for receiving fibres (NF) thereon, and first and second electrically insulating members ( 15 A, 15 B), wherein the tip of the nozzle ( 12 ) is located between the first and the second electrically insulating members ( 15 A, 15 B).

1 . A spinning apparatus for forming aligned fibres, the apparatus comprising a nozzle for ejecting material for forming fibres from a tip thereof, an electrode, a substrate for receiving fibres thereon, and first and second electrically insulating members, wherein the tip of the nozzle is located between the first and the second electrically insulating members. 
     
     
         2 . A spinning apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the substrate comprises or is formed from an electrically insulative material. 
     
     
         3 . (canceled) 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . A spinning apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the substrate extends between the first and second electrically insulative member. 
     
     
         6 . A spinning apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the first electrically insulating member and the second electrically insulating member are integrally formed or wherein the first electrically insulating member and the second electrically insulating member are separate, distinct components. 
     
     
         7 . A spinning apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein each of the first electrically insulating member and second electrically insulating comprise a first, e.g. lower, portion and a second, e.g. upper, portion, the first portions of the first and second electrically insulating members are located adjacent or proximate the substrate, the second portions of each of the first and second electrically insulating members extend away from the respective first portions in a direction which is non-pararllel and non-perpendicular to the substrate. 
     
     
         8 . A spinning apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the angle created between each of the first and second electrically insulating members with the plane of the substrate is between 25 to 55. 
     
     
         9 . A spinning apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrically insulating material is formed from, or comprises, a dielectric material. 
     
     
         10 . A spinning apparatus according to preceding  claim 1 , wherein the first electrically insulating material and/or second electrically insulating material and/or the substrate is formed from or comprises one or more of polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and glass. 
     
     
         11 . A spinning apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrode is selected from a flat, grounded electrode, and a disc-shaped electrode. 
     
     
         12 . A spinning apparatus according to  claim 1 , comprising a first and second grounded plate electrode. 
     
     
         13 . A spinning apparatus according to  claim 12 , wherein each of the first and second electrically insulating members are located adjacent or proximate a respective one of the first and second grounded plate electrodes. 
     
     
         14 . A spinning apparatus according to  claim 13 , wherein the substrate extends between first and second grounded plate electrodes. 
     
     
         15 . A spinning apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a feed reel comprising a length of substrate located upstream of the at least one electrode. 
     
     
         16 . A spinning apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising an exhaust or take-up reel being located downstream of the at least one electrode. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A spinning apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising at least one more spinning apparatus. 
     
     
         19 . A method of forming aligned nanofibers, the method comprising providing at least one electrode, locating a first and second electrically insulating member in facing relations, locating a substrate that extends between the first and second electrically insulating members, locating the tip of the nozzle between the first and the second electrically insulating members, applying an electric field between a nozzle and the at least one electrode and depositing aligned nanofibers on a substrate. 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 19 , further comprising positioning the first and second electrically insulating members to be non-parallel and non-perpendicular to the plane of the substrate. 
     
     
         21 . A method according to  claim 19 , comprising moving the substrate with respect to the at least one electrode. 
     
     
         22 . A method according to  claim 21 , wherein the method comprises translationally and/or rotationally moving the substrate. 
     
     
         23 . A method of  claims 20 , wherein the substrate is an endless belt. 
     
     
         24 . (canceled)