Electrospinning of ZrO2 fibers without sol-gel methods: Effect of inorganic Zr-source on electrospinning properties and phase composition

The aim of this study was the electrospinning zirconia nanofibers without sol-gel precursors. Low-cost Zr-oxide and Zr-carbonate inorganic materials, with high molecular Zr-content compared to methods, were used for precursor formulation. Using a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) polymeric binder, could successfully be synthesised both Zr-sources. effects different parameters investigated stabilize processing reduce deviation nanofiber diameters. Fibres calcined at 1000 °C produced from two precursors displayed differing crystal phases zirconia. one based on nanoparticles revealed significantly higher amount tetragonal phase. Zirconia poly-granular microstructure across diameter produced.