Effects of Processing Variables on the Morphology and Microstructural Characteristics of TiO₂ Fibers Produced by Solution Blow Spinning

A factorial design was used to evaluate the effects of processing variables on the morphology and microstructural characteristics of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) fibers produced by solution blow spinning (SBS). For this, tests were carried out varying TiO₂ precursor content, feed rate, air pressure, polymer, and solvent. The TTIP concentration and feed rate statistically influenced the average diameters of the PVC/TiO₂ system. The proper combination between polymer and solvent enables the obtaining of TiO₂ nanofibers with similar morphologies either using hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymer, however, fiber diameter is influenced by type of system (polymer/solvent) used. Only the anatase crystalline phase was found in the fibers with the PVC polymer and THF solvent, while two crystalline phases were obtained in the fibers with PVP and alcohol, anatase and rutile, indicating that the variation of the polymer and solvent influences the crystalline phases of the TiO₂ fibers studied.

Keywords:
Solution blow spinning; Titanium dioxide; Fibers; Factorial design