This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project aims to develop innovative key technology to combine the melt-blown process with Multi-Jet electrospinning process that can fabricate membranes with new microfiber/nanofiber hybrid morphology and can lead to a commercial scale-up process. The specific aims of this Phase I proposal are to implement several new designs to incorporate the Multi-Jet electrospinning process (patent pending) in the conventional melt-blown process. Complex and coupled processing parameters including novel spinneret assemblies, new electrode designs, and control of jet acceleration, transportation and manipulation will be considered. The unique Multi-Jet electrospinning has been developed by the PI from Stonybrook Technology and Applied Research (STAR), Inc. and scientists from the Chemistry Department in the State University of New York at Stony Brook (SUNYSB). This technology is capable of producing new nanostructured membranes with hybrid nanofiber/nanoparticle morphology, designed composition variations and 3D pattern formation. Non-woven protective clothing with functions of non-wetting and low absorption could be used in many situations. Thus it will have high potentials for commercialization
