Nanofibers

Nanofibers are defined as fibers with diameters less than 1000 nm nanometers. They can be produced by interfacial polymerization and electrospinning. Carbon nanofibers are graphitized fibers produced by catalytic synthesis. For optical nanofibers see subwavelength-diameter optical fiber. Inorganic nanofibers (sometimes called ceramic nanofibers) can be prepared from various kinds of inorganic substances by electrospinning technique. The most frequently mentioned ceramic materials with nanofiber morphology are titanium dioxide (TiO2), silicon dioxide (SiO2), zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O12), titanium nitride (TiN) or platinum (Pt). The synthesis usually consists of two main steps. In the first step, the polymer (organic) nanofibers are created by conventional electrospinning technique. As prepared, polymer nanofibers made of inorganic salts or organometallic compounds are subsequently transformed to ceramics by heat treatment. Potential applications: мedical - artificial organ components, tissue engineering, implant material, drug delivery, wound dressing, medical textile materials; рrotective materials: sound absorption materials, protective clothings against chemical and biological warfare agents, sensor applications for detecting chemical agents; filtration: HVAC system filters, HEPA, ULPA High efficient filters, air, oil, fuel filters for automotive, filters for beverage, pharmacy, medical applications. In one study, combined neural stem cells with carbon nanofibers triggered neural tissue regeneration in the brains of rats that had suffered a simulated stroke. On their own, neither nanofibers nor stem cells could heal the rats. Napkins with nanofibers contain antibodies against numerous biohazards and chemicals that signal by changing color (potentially useful in identifying bacteria in kitchens). In wound healing nanofibers assemble at the injury site and stay put, drawing the body's own growth factors to the injury site. Donaldson develops nanofiber filter media for new air and liquid filtration applications, such as vacuum cleaners.

SEM image of nanofibers by Nano FMG

Further information:

1. Nanotechnologies. Terminology and definitions for nano-objects. Nanoparticle, nanofibre and nanoplate. - ISO/TS 27687:2008
2. Vocabulary. Nanoparticles. - The British Standards Institution, 2005. - PAS 71:2005
3. Статья Nanofiber из Wikipedia, свободной энциклопедии. Доступно под лицензией Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike.

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