Optimization of pullulan fiber processing parameters via the Forcespinning method
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Jefferson Reinoza
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Cesar Benitez
Abstract
In this study PL fibers were used to analyze the influences of two key parameters in the optimization process aimed at maximizing fiber yield using the centrifugal spinning technique called Forcespinning®. The optimization process was conducted focusing on rotational velocity (rpm) and precursor polymer concentration. These variables were then correlated with both fiber yield and diameter. Rheological analysis of the precursor polymeric solutions was performed to examine the relationships between fiber production parameters and solution viscosities (η) as well as storage (G′) and loss (G″) moduli. Fiber yields were analyzed at intervals from 2,000 to 10,000 rpm. In terms of morphological properties, most fibers exhibited diameters ranging from 0.2 to 1.2 μm, with a gradual decrease observed as the rpm increased, which aligns with expectations. The 18.2 wt% pullulan solution demonstrated an optimal balance of high fiber production yield (60–67 %), low production rpm (4,000), and low viscosity (1,415 cp), facilitating the production process compared with the other systems. Additionally, thermal characterization analysis revealed that the fibers absorbed solvents in the range of 10–11 % by weight, with thermal stability exceeding 270 °C in a nitrogen atmosphere. This optimization study is a processing platform for future research on pullulan-based fibers.
Funding source: National Science Foundation (NSF, PREM) USA
Award Identifier / Grant number: DMR 2122178
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Author contributions: Cesar Benitez, Martin Lopez, and Ever Acosta contributed to the development of the experimental section of fiber production, rheological tests, and reproducibility of the entire experiments. Victoria Padilla and Karen Lozano contributed to the design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data, as well as making corrections and continuous improvements to the final document. Jefferson Reinoza participated in all the previously mentioned activities. All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
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Conflict of interest: The authors state no conflict of interest.
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Research funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge the support received from “National Science Foundation” (NSF) under “Partnership for Research and Education in Materials Science” (PREM) award DMR 2122178.
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Data availability: Not applicable.
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© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Material Properties
- Polymer electrolytes for enhanced mechanical integrity in lithium-ion batteries: a review of recent progress and future directions
- Enhancement of some mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites via hybrid nanofiller reinforcement: graphene, alumina, and silica
- Preparation and Assembly
- Preparation and performance of hydrophilic PES blend membranes modified by Pluronic F127 and tannic acid based on RTIPS
- Fabrication and characterization of boron doped carbon dots@chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels for methylene blue adsorption
- Sodium-alginate/poly (acrylamide co-acrylic acid) semi-interpenetrating hydrogels for removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions
- Engineering and Processing
- Optimization of pullulan fiber processing parameters via the Forcespinning method
- Comparing pretraining methods with different fidelities for a 2D cooling problem in injection molding
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Material Properties
- Polymer electrolytes for enhanced mechanical integrity in lithium-ion batteries: a review of recent progress and future directions
- Enhancement of some mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites via hybrid nanofiller reinforcement: graphene, alumina, and silica
- Preparation and Assembly
- Preparation and performance of hydrophilic PES blend membranes modified by Pluronic F127 and tannic acid based on RTIPS
- Fabrication and characterization of boron doped carbon dots@chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels for methylene blue adsorption
- Sodium-alginate/poly (acrylamide co-acrylic acid) semi-interpenetrating hydrogels for removal of heavy metals from aqueous solutions
- Engineering and Processing
- Optimization of pullulan fiber processing parameters via the Forcespinning method
- Comparing pretraining methods with different fidelities for a 2D cooling problem in injection molding
