Micro- and Nano-fibers by Electrospinning Technology: Processing, Properties, and Applications.

Micro- and nano-structures such as micro- and nano-fibers and micro- and nano-particles based on polymers (synthetic and natural) can be processed by electrospinning. Electrospun micro- and nano-structures are an exciting class of novel materials due to several unique characteristics, including their micro- and nano-meter diameter, the extremely high surface area per unit mass, the very small pore size, and their tunable surface properties. To this may be added their cost-effectiveness. Significant progress has been made in this field in the past few years, and the resultant micro- and nano-structures may serve as a highly versatile platform for a broad range of applications in areas such as medicine, pharmacy, sensors, catalysis, filter, composites, ceramics, packaging, electronics, and photonics. Some latest developments in the processing and applications of micro- and nano-structured polymers by electrospinning are presented.