Self-organized fibers (3D Structures)

Figure 2. Nanofibrous 3D block through self-organization of nanofibers. Courtesy of Deepak Ahirwal (See affiliation), [Ahirwal et al 2013]

Most in-situ formation of 3D structure is through random deposition of nanofibers. However, Ahirwal et al has shown that 3D structure may be formed through self-organization of the nanofibers. In some cases, electrospun nanofibers have demonstrated the ability to self-organize to form honey-combed or dimpled structure. By limiting the conducting collection surface to 25 mm diameter, continual self-organization of the polycaprolactone fiber in a honeycomb/dimpled form encourages the build-up of nanofibers. A nanofibrous structure with a height of 15 mm was constructed after 5 h of electrospinning [Ahirwal et al 2013].