Solvent electrospinning is the core competence of Finetex Technology. This
technology is a solution-based fiber spinning process
that was first patented in the 1930's.
The solvent electrospinning process works by introducing a polymer solution in a
high electrostatic field. The electrostatic field breaks the surface tension
of the polymer solution producing a jet that is attracted to the opposite electrode.
In fact, the electrostatic field is so high that the liquid jet is very unstable,
resulting in a whipping motion that both evaporates the solvent and stretches the
polymer to create a very fine fiber. Final fiber diameters typically range from
50-500 nanometers, making them among the smallest fibers in the world.
Difficulties in process control and low production rates kept this process from
being commercialized for over 50 years. During the 1990's, advancements in
equipment and know-how at Finetex Technology have made industrial-scale mass
production possible at rates that make our products competitive in the market.
