Effects of calcination temperature on electrospun silica fibers

Abstract

Silica fibers have been fabricated via sol-gel reaction and electrospinning. The precursor solution was prepared from tetraethyl- orthosilicate (TEOS), ethanol and aqueous hydrochloric acid. The viscous solution was electrospun at 15kV applied voltage and 20 cm tip-to-collector distance. The process yielded nonwoven sheet of silica fibers with good mechanical integrity. The silica fiber specimens were calcined at different temperatures: 400°C, 600°C and 800°C. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation reveals smooth and long fibers with average diameter below 0.5μm for all samples, both as spun and calcined. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra show effects of calcination temperature on chemical structure of the fibers. Calcination results in the removal of organic residuals and leaving mostly silica content. © (2012) Trans Tech Publications.