Failure modes of electrospun nanofibers

Abstract
Failure modes of electrospunpolymer nanofibers are reported. The nanofibers have diameters in the range of 80–400 nm and lengths greater then several centimeters. The nanofibers fail by a multiple necking mechanism, sometimes followed by the development of a fibriliar structure. This phenomenon is attributed to a strong stretching of solidified nanofibers by the tapered accumulating wheel (electrostatic lens), if its rotation speed becomes too high. Necking has not been observed in the nanofibers collected on a grounded plate.