Influence of a magnetic field in the electrospinning of nanofibers using solutions with PVDF, DMF, acetone and Fe3O4 nanoparticles

This work addresses the formation of polymeric nanofibers containing magnetic nanoparticles using electrospinning assisted by a magnetic field. During electrospinning, two Helmholtz coils were mounted on the system in order to create a uniform magnetic field. Polymeric solutions containing PVDF, DMF and acetone with a concentration of 18 wt% were adopted (DMF to Acetone ratio of 3 to 1). Iron Oxide Nanopowder (Fe₃O₄, particle diameter of 20 nm to 30 nm) to PVDF ratios were 1:5, 1:10 and 1:15. The morphology of the nanofibers was analyzed by optical microscopy and SEM. The nanofibers resulted with a diameter of 100 nm to 700 nm, as verified by SEM. The fibers presented blisters distributed on their surfaces, indicating the formation of agglomerates of magnetic nanoparticles. The application of the electromagnetic field during electrospinning leads to smoother fibers.