Abstract:

In this work, a new type of three dimensional(3D) nanochannel system was constructed using the electrospinning technology. A series mass fractions of polystyrene(PS:Mw=1.3×105 g/mol) solution with different concentration in the presences of certain amounts of sodium dodecyl sulfonate were spun via electrostatic spinning technology at different voltage. The fiber was crosslinked by heat treatment under 90 ℃ to obtain the 3D PS network template. Then the silicone oligomer(polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS) in hexane solution(containing 10% crosslinking agent) was infused into this fiber template, and crosslinked. After that, the PS fiber was dissolved in carbon disulfide via ultrasonication. The results from scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that the PS fiber with diameter about 150 nm was fabricated at a voltage of 20 kV with the mass fraction of 10% in the presence of 0.5%SDS. The presence of SDS helped to improve the lubrication effect and make the elimination of PS easier. The obtained 3D channel had a diameter of 160 nm which was consistent with the fiber diameter of the template. This type of nanochannel system could be a good candidate for medical drug delivery and nanofluidic chips, etc.

Key words: electrospinning, polystyrene, polydimethylsiloxane, nanochannel