An Introduction to Electrospinning and Nanofibers

Book Preface

Even though research and development related to the electrospinning process and the electrospun nanofibers has increased in recent years, the availability of the corresponding literature is mainly confined to research journals. As a consequence, information on electrospinning process and electrospun nanofibers is comprehensible only for the highly specialized readers. The situation is further compounded as a result of differing approaches and perspectives from various interdisciplinary backgrounds. In spite of the numerous groups throughout the world investigating on electrospinning of nanofibers, the lack of introductory reading materials in this field is felt.

The appearance of this book is timely in view of this rapidly expanding field of science and technology. There exists a critical mass of information in this area for a book to be written. In order to attain a balanced perspective, this book was written by a group of researchers from various backgrounds – mechanical and chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry.
The contents page shows that this book covers a wide spectrum, which includes the basic materials used for manufacturing nanofibers, processing techniques and parameters, various characterization methods, various ways to produce different types of nanofibers, the surface modification & functionalization, theoretical understanding and modeling approaches, and finally the potential applications.

The book is intended for the use of practicing engineers and scientists, as well as the students interested in electrospinning process and applications of the electrospun mats and nanofibers.