Synthesis of supported fibrous nanoceramics via electrospinning

Stable homogeneous aqueous spinning solutions have been experimented under electro-hydrodynamic conditions in order to synthesize fibrous ZnO, TiO2 and Al2O3. A favourable combination of optimal solution, electrospinning, thermal post-processing and calcination parameters have provided the preparation of dense webs of fibres with a mean diameter in the nanosized range. The samples have been characterized by electron imaging under SEM and HRTEM. Conventional WAXRD and SAED have been applied to determine the phase composition. Simple mechanical and gas flow tests give a first evidence for building of fibre-to-fibre and web-to-substrate cohesive forces. The fibre immobilization has been found very important for the development of various functional ceramic materials.