ARS | Publication request: Improved Electrospinning of Zein

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: June 19, 2006
Publication Date: September 18, 2006
Citation: Selling, G.W., Patel, A. 2006. Improved electrospinning of zein [abstract]. American Chemical Society. Paper No. 5.

Technical Abstract: The major historical used of zein, the predominant corn protein, has been in the fibers market. In order to evaluate new formulations of zein in the fibers market a simple means of generating fibers is necessary. Electrospinning of zein from ethanol/water solutions has been demonstrated in other labs. We have evaluated the ability to electrospin zein from other solvents and found that acetic acid provides fibers with fewer defects and are predominantly round. Addition of small amounts of water to acetic acid has a negative impact on spinning performance. Solvents such as dimethylformamide, 8M urea/water, 1 N sodium hydroxide were also evaluated and found to give electrospraying instead of electrospinning. It was found that surface tension may play a large role in the spinnability of these solutions. Various additives were evaluated to improve either spinning performance or fiber quality. Of those tested, only polyethylene glycol gave improved spinning performance.