Week 9 - If There Was a Re-experimentation...

If there was more time to experiment and design the other variables related to electrospinning. A possible variable to test would be the concentration of the solution on diameter length of the fibers and see if the results match that of literature from scholars. Another aspect could be to use a different polymer and create a solution that would have different affects on fiber structure and other properties. The final characteristic we would like to do is test fibers that we spin with a tension meter and other forms of strength testing.

Week 8 Cont. - Final Results/Conclusion

The purpose of this experiment and design is to create a minute filter that will trap bacteria in contaminated water flow. The actual testing of the filter will be the different variables that are present in the spinning of the fibers that compose the filter. The two variables that were tested was the distance between the syringe to the collecting plate and the angle between the syringe and the collecting plate. The results below show the outcomes and final conclusions.

Because the smallest common bacteria found in contaminated water flow is Fecal Coliform, the diameter of the fibers must be less than the length and therefore the volume of the bacteria. The length of this bacterium is 600 to 700 nm. When testing the distance variable, the smallest diameter of the fiber with a low standard deviation was spun at 12 cm. The average diameter of 30 fibers measured at 12 cm was 49.52 nm with a standard deviation of 14.39 nm. Another observation noted that was seen through the SEM images at 12 cm was the decreased number of beads that formed. All of the other distances had an abnormal number of beads in comparison to the aforementioned distance. The second variable involved the angle between the syringe and the collecting plate. The smallest diameter of the fiber was found at 20° and a standard deviation. The diameter was 52.71 nm while the standard deviation was 13.30 nm. Therefore, 20° will be the chosen angle for the final spin.

Final Conclusion:

In order to spin the smallest size diameter, the results show that the solution being spun should be spun at 12 cm from the collecting plate and at an angle of 20°. In order to create viable fibers to create a filter, another solution must be made and follow the specified variables above.

Week 8 - Analyzing SEM Images 2 (angles)

In week 7, the microfibers were spun at different angle measurements in 10° increments. The angles were 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50. Through these angle measurements there were 5 samples spun. The 50° angle did not spin correctly so the samples show the angles 0-40 in 10° increments. This was done for the same goal as the samples spun in week 4.


PEO- 0°

Figure 27. PEO at 0° 

The sample of PEO spun at 0° is illustrated in Figure 27. This image is zoomed to make calculating the distances easier. Using ImageJ 30 different threads were measured and the average of the threads were 59 nm. The standard deviation was 0.01 µm.  














PEO- 10° 

Figure 28. PEO at 10°

Figure 28 shows a bundle of nanofibers. Using the ImageJ measuring tool. The average of these nanofibers were 54 nm, and the standard deviation was 0.017 µm. This measurement is very similar to the measurements at 0°. the standard deviation is a little higher than at 0° which means there might have been more human error. The measurement regarding the averages were only 5 nm off.








PEO - 20°s

Figure 29. PEO at 20°

Figure 29 is PEO spun at 20°. The measurements were only taken from 28 different nanofibers to avoid duplicate measurements. The average of the measurements was 52.71 nm, and the standard deviation was 0.0133 µm. This is 2 nm off from the average from 10°.











PEO - 30°

Figure 30. PEO at 30° 

Figure 30 is PEO spun at 30° and seemed to have the most fibers spun in all the images. The measurements were taken from 30 fibers and the average was 58.37 nm. The standard deviation was 0.015 µm. This measurement is 1 nm off from 0°, 4 nm from 10°, and 6 nm off from 20°.










PEO - 40°

Figure 31. PEO at 40°

In figure 31, spinning did not produce many fibers in this picture. However, There are approximately 35 different fibers in the picture. Because of this only 25 Threads were taken into account to reduce the chance of duplicating a nano fiber. The average of the measurements were 54.19 nm. The standard deviation was 0.014 µm. This measurement is very similar to the measurements done at the alternate angles.









The diameters of the fibers spun at the various angles showed that the angle at which the fibers are spun have little or no effect on the diameter of the fibers. The fiber diameters are very similar and human error as well as mechanical error could explain how the measurements vary. The fiber spun at 20° has the lowest diameter size as well as the second lowest standard deviation so 52.71 nm will be the lowest average diameter among all the possible angles. Therefore, 20° will be the chosen angle for the final spinning.

Week 7 Cont. - Impact of Filter on Society

If our filter model works and the fibers inside the filter perform well by trapping the bacteria in water flow, then the major disease rates from contaminated water may go down. Diseases such as cholera which has over a quarter of a million reported incidents each year in China and India would not be as common [6]. In Africa, E.coli colonies are found in the water supply frequently and causes stomach issues as well as meningitis. With the lack of medical supplies and facilities in these three areas of the world, individuals residing in these areas are forced to endure the pain. The level of the disease could be so high that it is certain death if contracted from the water supply. This filter could potentially be the next big creation in filter engineering around the world that will once and for all eliminate impure water. If the cost to create this filter is low, they will be sold at a lower price; making it affordable to almost all classes (poor, middle, or upper class).

Why filtering is important?

Water purification is important because impurities are removed from water by screening, sedimentation, filtration, chlorination, or irradiation. Aeration saturates water with air, usually by spraying fountains of water into the air. Aeration removes odors and tastes caused by decomposing organic matter, industrial wastes, and some gases. These decomposing wastes and fecal matter is perfect for bacteria to grow and are easily transferred into the water flow. Various salts and metals cause hardness in water. Hardness may be removed by boiling, by adding sodium carbonate and lime, or by filtering through natural or artificial zeolites [2].

Week 7 - Results Analysis (1st Variable) and Taylor Cone

Figure 25. 3% PEO solution spun  at 10 cm [16]

A lab conducted by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo had similar data and the engineers that conducted a similar experiment which had conclusions that mirrored ours. The SEM picture on the left shows a 3% PEO solution spun at a distance from 10 cm. The beading occurred just like in our 12 cm spinning. The fibers were at a similar length. The average fiber diameter for their experiment at this distance was 55.65 nm, while ours was 49.52 nm. They concluded that 10 cm had the least beads formed, had the right diameter fibers needs for the aliginate gel formation, and it was the most consistent with a standard deviation in diameter 9.87 nm. The beads formed because of a taylor cone and the voltage that ran through the solution.



Figure 26. Effect of voltage on Taylor Cone [16]



The voltage change drastically affects whether or not beads or fibers form. The lower the voltage, the more beads will form from the spinning. If the voltage is between 3 kV to 7 kV, there will be some beads and some fibers. If the voltage is above 7 kV, the jet will mostly form fibers. A Taylor Cone is a jet of charged particles that emanates above a threshold voltage. The name Taylor Cone is named after Sir Geoffrey Taylor whom in 1964 coined the term before electrospray was "discovered" [11]. As the voltage is increased the effect of the electric field becomes more prominent and as it approaches exerting a similar amount of force on the droplet as the surface tension does a cone shape begins to form with convex sides and a rounded tip.



Week 6 Cont. - Initial and Final Filter Designs.

 

Figure 21. Side view of preliminary filter design

 

Figure 22. Direct view of preliminary filter design



During week 6, Preliminary designs were created and a final design was chosen for the filtration system. The first filtration design is shown in figure 20 and 21. This design is called a mat pattern. There are many benefits to a this design but there are also some faults which became clear after extensive research about filters. The mat design of the filter consists of alternating vertical and horizontal nanofibers. This causes water to easily pass through the nanofibers while the bacteria will get caught in the matted net design. Through research that was conducted, it seems that the specific bacteria have the capability to pass through this pattern because the openings have a possibility of being too large (diagonally). This pattern creates little squares which can fit bacteria through and continue with the flow of water. As shown in figure 21 on the left, the pattern leaves openings big enough for water, as well as unwanted bacteria to pass through.  



Figure 23. Final filter design top view



Figure 24. Final filter design showing layers of nano fibers



After realizing that this design was faulty, the filter was redesigned into a spiral or helix shape. This design is seen in figures 22 and 23 to the left. The final filter designs have approximately 250 nanofiber sections in the cylindrical tube that turn at 5 degrees and move 20 μm inside the filter every section. This makes the filter a total of 5cm in length. This design is ideal for letting liquids pass through the filter and leaving any unwanted particles stuck in the filter. The design of this filter will also spin the nanofibers at a slow speed to insure that no unwanted particles will pass through the cracks. The bacteria that resides in the water or other liquid will not be able to pass through due to the small openings in the filter. The initial filter design was a static design only made as a net that would trap particles and bacteria. With this filter design, The nano fibers are perfectly aligned with each other and the separation between each nano fiber is approximately less than 0.6 μm due to the movement and alternating fiber displacement of the filter. These values were outputs that Pro/E measured in the filter design.This number was chosen because it is the smallest size of the bacteria in cubic μm. This filter is the ideal chosen to block bacteria such as  E. Coli and Giardia cysts.  

Week 6 - Competition is Met, Why We Stand Out

If the design goal was met and the filter was actually created, the filter would be put into the market for consumers to buy. However, there are many other individuals who use nanofibers to create their own specific types of filters to accomplish the same exact design goals we have! So what sets this apart from large companies such as United Air Specialists Inc., Calibex, or even Donaldson [15]?

Figure 18. Filters used to trap smoke and allergens [3]

United Air Specialists mainly focus on nanofibers spun implemented in filters for domestic usage. The company provides solutions to air quality problems ranging from welding smoke, oil mist and process dusts in factories to indoor air quality concerns like cigarette smoke and allergens in offices, bars and homes [15]. The product that we are creating will focus on molecular substances that cause disease on the nanoscale level. United Air Specialists have very large filters used to trap macromolecules. The picture on the right shows the size of the filters and the design. The central core is put into a rotating device so the molecules that are trapped by the filter are evenly spread out through the cylindrical surface. The filter that will be inside of the core and there will be several layers of patterned fibers that will trap the bacteria. The chosen design is the best choice because it completes the overall design goal in preventing bacteria to stay in the water flow.

Figure 19. Calibex fibers (1 micron) [1]

Calibex and Donaldson are similar in the sense that they deal with a wide range of filters. Some types of filters are: electronic, digital, mechanical, optical, and of course fibrous. Calibex filters that are made from nanofibers are similar to the fibers that we will be using in our theoretical filter. There are only two major differences. One deals with the fiber size. Calibex fibers are 1 μm in diameter which is about 15 times larger than our filters; however, our diameter is really inconsistent. The other difference is the usage of the filter.the function it is being used for is water treatment, but the filters that Calibex makes are mostly for oil particle absorption and smoke filtering. Donaldson uses smaller diameter fibers ranging from 100 nm to 150 nm [15]. Their design is similar to ours in the sense that they use the fibers in layers to create a filter. However, they have no specific design and randomize the fiber layout. The plan is to create a filter that also has many layers of fibers but are in a specific pattern (square-like shape).

Figure 20. Donaldson fibers 100 nm [2]

This filter is the best choice because the shape is what distinguishes it from the other types of filters and brands. The prices of the filters above ranged from $50.00 to $179.99 [15]. There is no specific price of the completed electrospun filter for the time being, but theoretically, it should fall in that range.

Week 5 Cont. - Humidity Creating Problems with Spinning

During week 5, the scheduled time for spinning the solution and testing the second variable, angle, did not go as planned. The day of lab (May 1st, 2012), a Tuesday, was filled with scattered thunderstorms and rainfall. With the high temperature and precipitation, the humidity level rose very high and was quite different from the constant. The constant humidity from the first spinning session must be kept so there is a control n the experiment. The spinning will now occur in week 6, while the SEM imaging for the second set of samples dealing with angle changes will be viewed in week 7. Week 8 will be devoted to viewing the results and finding conclusions. The final report will be written in week 9 and week 10 will be the presentation.

The blog updates that we would like to include have to do with the following:

Other competition (companies that makes filters made from nanofibers)
Detailed explanation for filter design
Significance of results
Impact on society
Further changes that can be made if there was a re-experimentation

Week 5 Cont. - SEM Details 1

Figure 17. Cressing Sputter Coater 208 HR[5]

The PEO fibers had to be coated with platinum/palladium in order to be seen in the SEM. Each sample was coated in 5-10 nm of the metals. For this certain measurement, the solution was put into Cressington Sputter Coater 208 HR. It was put in the machine for 35 seconds at 40 mA( milliamperes). The coating was put on the sample at the top left of the machine. The solution is then placed into the same location. Finally, the coating process begins and SEM imagery can be established.

Week 5 Analyzing SEM Images

In week 4, the group began to research bacteria that could exist in water supplies and that would cause harm to the human body. Also in Week 4, the nanofibers were spun samples of PEO using different variable lengths that were stated was one of the parameters that would be altering. The spun PEO samples were at lengths 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 cm. These lengths are the distances between the syringe and the collecting plate . Altering these lengths changed the different diameters of the Electrospun fibers. The goal is to create a filter using these fibers and below is an analysis of the diameters of the fibers:

PEO - 4cm



Figure 11. PEO Spun 4cm

Figure 11 illustrates the diameters of the spun fibers at a distance of 4 cm from the needle and the collecting plate. This image is zoomed so that it would be easy to calculate the distance. Using ImageJ the group was able to estimate the distances of the threads. To take a proper estimate, the measurements were taken from 30 different threads. the average of the diameters were 67.17 nm. the standard deviation was 0.0175 μm.

PEO - 6cm

Figure 12. Spun PEO 6cm

In Figure 12 you see one nano fiber that was woven together through the electrospinning process. Using the Image J measuring tool that was used gave the results that the the fiber has diameter of 10 μm. This holds true to the research that was conducted earlier in the experiment. The diameters should increase to a certain point until they will decrease again. This comparison between 4 cm shows that the results are correct in creating new filtration technology. The measurements were taken from 30 fibers that are comming off of the long big fiber. the measurement average was. 161.49 nm. the standard deviation is 0.0801 μm.

PEO - 8cm

Figure 13. Spun PEO 8 cm

The SEM image at 8 cm also resulted in a picture of only one thread. The diameter in this thread was 7.485 μm which is a little bit finer than the thread spun at 6 cm. Although it is thinner than the thread from 6cm, the 8cm PEO thread is still thicker than the diameter of the thread spun at 4cm which was 0.5722 μm. As in the image before there was only one thread so there was no average taken and the final diameter at 8cm is 7.485 μm. 

PEO - 10cm



Figure 14. Spun PEO 10cm



 In Figure 14 the measurements were taken from 30 different fibers in the SEM image. This was just to get a better approximation of the diameters because there were more fibers spun in the 10cm sample than there was in the 4cm sample. The average of the diameters was 81.6 nm. The standard deviation 0.025 μm.

PEO - 12cm



Figure 15. Spun PEO 12 cm



The PEO results at 12 cm is the best just because of the quantity of the fibers that were spun and collected. Also the diameter is the smallest of all the fibers that were spun before. This image had lots of fibers and it was zoomed to 200nm. the average of 30 fibers is 49.52 nm. the standard deviation of the fiber diameters 14.39 nm

PEO - 16cm



Figure 16. Spun PEO 16cm 



In Figure 16 you see that the fibers don't seem to be spun as well as the fibers before. The diameters are sill very small for the fibers but the fibers do not appear to be as stable. This sample was very running and did not have good results. The fiber diameters 120.56 nm and the standard deviation is 0.036 μm.

The ideal fiber seems to be the fiber spun at the distance of 12 cm. These fibers gave the smallest diameter which is what is needed when spinning fibers for a filter. With these current results it shows that the fiber chosen to spin would be a filter using a 12 cm distance, but there will  also testing the angle of spin to get the ideal distance and angle for a fiber. When the angle results were acquired will be spinning an ideal filter out of the fibers. Currently the only realization is that one ideal variable which is 12 cm.

Week 4 Cont. - Investigation of Filtration and Preventing Disease

The application of our nanofibers will be to create a filter that will block microbes and bacteria that cause disease. The conducted research in this specific area, more specifically, seeing what are the most common bacteria in contaminated water, what are the ranges of size of these bacteria, and the effects of the specific bacterium. The four most common bacteria in untreated water were Fecal Coliform (general), E. Coli, Enterococcus Faecium, and Giardia [14]. The overarching goal is to create a filter that has a specific pattern (most likely a square-crossing pattern) in order to block and trap the bacteria that are in the water supply. PEO is miscible in water that is why this experiment will a larger control in which other solutions that are immiscible in water can be spun and used.


Classification of Bacteria in Water that Cause Disease:

Figure 7. Fecal Coliform Colony (SEM magnified) [7]

Fecal Coliform, as seen to the left, are rod-shaped, small, non-sporulating bacterium. They are not very hazardous to human health; however, specific strains of them (E. Coli) can be very dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Failing home septic systems can allow coliforms in the effluent to flow into the water table, aquifers, drainage ditches and nearby surface waters. Sewage connections that are connected to storm drain pipes can also allow human sewage into surface waters [14]. Animal waste as well as agriculture waste from fertilizers contribute to the formation of coliform. Severe diseases can arise from lethal strains of this bacterium such as: ear infections, dysentery, typhoid fever, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis, and hepatitis A [14]. Without proper treatment, deadly genetic mutations of the RNA inside the bacterium will be certain death. This specific bacterium is approximately 0.60~0.70 μm in diameter and has an approximate volume of 0.816 cubic μm. The nanofibers spun must be so the diameter of each fiber is approximately 0.50 μm and the area of the square pattern is smaller than the diameter of one of these bacteria.

Figure 8. E. Coli under SEM Imaging [10]

A specific form of Fecal Coliform is E. Coli which is known to be a deadly without treatment. Virulent strains of E. coli can cause gastroenteritis, urinary tract infections, and neonatal meningitis.[14]. E. Coli is approximately 2.0 μm in length, has a diameter of 0.50 μm, and volume of 0.70 cubic μm. Although E. Coli is relatively easy to treat if found in the early stages of the disease, it can be lethal if found too late. E. Coli is especially tricky to diagnose because the symptoms arise right before serious illness so there is a insufficient amount of time to kill the bacterium.The image on the right shows how E. Coli are rod-shaped and also are always in colonies.


The last two common bacteria found in contaminated water are Enterococcus Faecium and Giardia. E. Faecium is quite large; with a length of 1 to 2 mm [14]. They can move very fast and are known to target human arteries and hearts. They usually overtake and replace Fecal Coliform in water supply by engulfing them through phagocytosis (cell membrane forming around a substance or foreign object) [14]. Giardia cysts are 8 to 14 μm and the actual bacterium is about 5 μm in diameter. Giardia has symptoms that mimic other gastrointestinal problems and the common symptoms are persistent diarrhea, weight loss, abdominal cramps, nausea, and dehydration. In general, the symptoms begin within a week after exposure and the acute symptoms can last for up to 2 weeks, but chronic symptoms can last for up to 2 months [14]. Usually it is not life-threatening but treatment must be given to get rid of both bacteria.

Figure 9. E. Faecium infecting pulmonary tissue [10]

Figure 10. Giardia in water supply [10]

Since the smallest form of Fecal Coliform is the smallest parameter of bacteria size in water supply, a filter must be created to take the size and dimensions of the bacteria into account. The filter mechanism is actually possible to create because the size and pattern shape can be created through mechanical/technological systems.

Week 4 - SEM Imaging

The SEM produces 6 different signals which include:  secondary electrons, back-scattered electrons (BSE), characteristic X-rays, light (cathodoluminescence), specimen current and transmitted electrons. The SEM that will be used, transmits secondary electron detector signals. There are 3 different types of microscopes that can be used which range from LM, TEM, SEM as shown in figure 5 [12].



Figure 5. Functionality of LM, TEM, SEM [12]

 

All three microscopes begin with the light source at the top illuminating to a condenser lens. During the next step the LM and TEM microscopes vary from the SEM because the specimen is between the first condenser lens and the objective lens. In the SEM microscope there is a second condenser lens for a better image. The LM microscope requires you to use your eye to look at the projection lens while the TEM uses a fluorescent screen [13]. The SEM makes a crisper image because it has the specimen after the objective lens, and instead the specimen then emits a signal to a signal detector which creates a crisp image as shown below.  



Figure 6. Difference between optical & SEM of a small marine organism [13]

The SEM imaging is the ideal choice in this case because as shown in figure 6 the image is more detailed than an average optical micrograph. It uses the electron's wavelength to send a signal to the specific specimen being observed. The wavelength bounces off and the resultant signal is transmitted, filtered, and an image is forced. This process is different from optical microscopes and results in less focus because the wavelength is much higher than an electron's [12]. In the experiment the SEM imaging is used to measure the diameter, and count the nanofibers in the electrospun strand. Some important details about the SEM microscope are: working distance, depth-of-focus, and the secondary electron. The working distance is important because it is the distance between the lower surface of the objective lens and the surface of the specimen and altering this distance will change the clarity of the picture. The depth-of-focus is plainly the focus of the SEM image. Finally, the last variable  is the secondary electron which are the electrons ejected by the specimen durring the inelastic scattering of the energetic beam electrons. The more electrons ejected the clearer the image. In week 4, Evan and Tristan are using the SEM to complete these viewing tasks.

Week 3 Cont. - Spinning Process *Detailed*

A major component that was not taken into account was the constants was the needle gauge. We chose a 21 gauge that had an inner diameter of 14.5 mm. The higher the gauge, the smaller the diameter becomes. It is important to keep the gauge constant because different sized gauges will change the diameter of respective nanofibers. This will cause innaccurate comparisons between the different spun fibers [11]. This was an important constant to add to the list because it is an important part of the apparatus. The rotational mixer used to mix the solutions was made by Elmeco Engineering Inc and the specific model was the Arma-Rotator A-1. When the spinning began some measurements were taken: the temperature was 24.3 degrees Celsius and the humidity was 26%.

Figure 3. Our Electrospinning Apparatus

Evan and Tristan began to spin the mixed solution that they created on the previous day. They started off by changing the distance variable and completed the first 6 deliverables. They spun at 4 cm, 6 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm, and 16 cm. These distances represented the distance of the syringe's needle tip to the collecting plate. The purpose of changing the distance was to see the effect on the fiber's diameter, abundance, and pattern that formed. In Figure 3 (to the left), the final apparatus can be seen. The syringe contains the PEO solution and the needle slowly releases the solution at a rate of 1 mL/hr. The red wire is the voltage that hits the solution and begins the fiber forming process. The silver square sheet is actually aluminum foil that is wrapped around a brown metallic sheet. This will keep the charged PEO fiber to stick onto the collecting plate and it will allow for a sample to form. The other wire (on the right) keeps the collecting plate charged for this exact reason. In the back, the holder allows the plate to be held at a certain elevation. The holder is wrapped so no current is able to pass through it.

Figure 4. 5% PEO solution used during spinning process

Evan and Tristan used the solution they made the day before. The solution was 5% PEO in water and the figure on the right shows the color of the solution as well as the solution itself. The solution was clear and is perfectly mixed because it was placed in the rotational mixer. This solution was then put into the syringe to be hit by high voltage as mentioned above.

Week 3 - Beginning to Spin

Figure 1: Ethylene oxide with aid of catalyst becomes PEO [1]

On April 16, in the lab Evan and Tristan mixed two identical solutions of PEO by dissolving 0.5 grams of 600,000 molecular weight PEO into 10 mL of water.  The outcome of this is a 5% molecular weight PEO in water solution which was placed on a rotational mixer to mix overnight. The rotational mixer helped thoroughly mix the solution and the particles of water with PEO. The process was new and required some getting used to understand exactly how PEO is made. The picture on the left demonstrates how it is created with an aid of a catalyst [4]. First ethylene oxide is the monomer that is combined with itself with a help of a catalyst. The catalyst allows for an addition polymer to be formed; in this case, polyethylene oxide (PEO). April 17 Evan and Tristan began spinning the created PEO solution.
Evan and Tristan will be spinning PEO fibers at six different angles in addition to six different distances. Each fiber will be spun for 30 min and stored for SEM imaging later in the week or durring week 4. Through extensive research increasing the will make the diameter smaller and increasing the distance should also make the diameter smaller. The ideal situation in our experiment is to get the thinest PEO fibers possible with some textile strength to make a proper filter. The textile strength only has to be strong enough to handle strong water flow and if time permits these fibers will be tested for their strength after SEM imaging with a tention meter.

Week 2 - Composing Project Proposal

      In week 2 consisted of additional research about the apparatus and materials used for electrospinning. Through the research we found the different variables of spinning were; time, solute, solvent, voltage, distance, temp, humidity, viscosity, and angle. In the project, these variables are tested to see the effect the spun fibers. After consulting with Marjorie about the limited time constraints it was decided to change the distance and the angles at which the different fibers are spun at. This initial testing is to do a general test on how well a fiber can be used for filtering a water solution. The main goal in the project is to create a filter out of fibers that would make cleaner drinking water. Since PEO dissolves in water, a different polymer can replace the PEO and be spun with the same variables for an ideal filter. The ideal variables will be found through our experimentation and we will implement those variables on another polymer to create this filter. Hopefully if time allows, we will be able to create this filter. 

      Below is a video of the Electrospinning Apparatus and it's functionality: 

Video #1 : Apparatus Design

Week 1 - Deciding Freshman Design III Topic

The class topics ranged from designing a building using sustainable materials to audio cheapskates and tweaks and finally to polymer composite fibers created from electrospinning. The topic chosen ended up being electrospinning of a specific polymer called poly(ethylene oxide) by changing the variables and testing the strength of the different fibers to see which is best for military purposes. Electrospinning involved all of the team member's majors in various forms.The majors of the group members are biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, and electrical engineering. The spinning part of the experiment includes concepts from electrical engineering due to the electrical current passing through the solution to create the fiber. The polymer, PEO, involves chemical engineering because to understand the solution chemical properties need to be analyzed. Finally it includes biomedical engineering because a large amount of the fibers can be used to create artificial tissue. With this being said the initial topic goal is to vary the distance from the needle to the collecting dish, changes the angle of the needle, varying the concentration of the solution, and finally varying the voltage of the current.