Effect of surface active agent on bubble-electrospun polyacrylonitrile nanofibers

Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonates were used as a surfactant to obtain polyacrylonitrile nanofibers by a modified bubble-electrospinning using a copper cone-shaped air nozzle. The properties of the electrospun solutions were investigated using viscosity meter, conductivity meter and rheometer, and the effects of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonates concentration on the morphology, mechanical property and production of polyacrylonitrile nanofibers were studied. The results showed the addition of sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonates could effectively decrease the viscosity of the solution, increase the electric conductivity of the solution, and promote the generation of bubbles, which resulted in enhancing tensile strength and decreasing the production of nanofibers.