Process parameters optimization for an electrospinning process using a DoE approach

The electrospinning process is able to produce nanometric fibers, mainly polymer based, with a very simple apparatus. The drawbacks of this technology are mainly the reduced process control and the difficult set up of the process parameters in order to obtain a required value of the fiber diameter. In this paper we present a regressive model for the prediction of the mean fiber diameter obtained thanks to a DoE approach on a validated numerical model. The resulting model could be used to identify the optimal configuration to obtain the required fiber diameter avoiding time-consuming tests, both experimental or simulated. Moreover in the paper will be presented an experimental regressive model to predict the jet deflection and material distribution for a multijet system due to the chosen process parameters. This model could be used, given the process parameters to obtain the needed fiber diameter, to optimize the collection strategy of the nanofiber tissue.