FAQs

Q. What are nanofibers made of?
A: Nanofibers, produced by NanospiderTM technology, come from polymer solutions. The polymer used is the most important parameter defining the properties of the final nanofiber fabric. We are working on the development of nanofibers from both water and non-water based polymers, and even biodegradable polymers that can be used in the medical field.

A) Polymers soluble in water-solvents

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)

Polyvinyl alcohol was the first polymer we used for the production of nanofibers in our company. A PVA nanofiber layer needs to undergo cross linking reactions in order to become stable within a water environment. Although PVA is an easy fiber-making polymer, its low mechanical properties limit this polymer in its overall use and application.

B) Polymers soluble in non-water solvents

Polyurethanes (PUR)

Polyurethanes are polymer chains which are produced by the reaction of multifunctional isocyanides with polyalcohol (polyols). Therefore, they are esters of carbam acid. Polymers can be produced with various properties through a combination of various did- or polyisocyanides and di- or polyalcohol.

Polyamides (PA)

Polyamides are linear polymers within the chain of amid group -CONH-. The most common are Polyamides containing aliphatic chains. These are also used by our company. Polyamides, generally, have good mechanical properties (tenacity, hardness, abrasion resistance) of the inner structure when the determinant is the length of aliphatic chains i.e. ratio of CONH groups to CH2 groups. They also have good electro insulating properties and electrostatic charge resistance. Within limits, they can absorb water - swelling, dependant on the type of polyamide. All these mentioned properties make them suitable for the production of both nanofibers and fibers in general.

Polyvinyl esters

Polyvinyl esters are derived from polyvinyl alcohol ester. They are not developed by etherification of polyvinyl alcohol, but by polymerization of particular vinyl ester. We develop nanofiber layers from polyvinyl acetate in our company. Polyvinyl acetates

Polyvinyl acetates are developed as condensation products of polyvinyl alcohol with aldehydes. We use the most important representative of polyvinyl acetates, polyvinyl butyral, in our company. In general, polyvinyl butyral has excellent adhesive effects, for example to metal. This, and the other properties, can be modified in combination with other polymers or chemicals.

Derivates of polyacryl acid

There is a wide range of derivates of polyacryl acid. There can be functional or substitutional derivates, or those developed by combination of both. An important representative is, for example, polymethyl methacrylate or so-called HEMA. Thanks to the wide variability of derivates and copolymers, the properties of final polymer are also variable. HEMA has wide usage in medical field.

Q. What area width and diameters of fibers are you able to reach using the Nanospider™?

A: Nanofibres show a number of properties that make them suitable for a variety of applications. Diameters of fibers are between 50 – 500nm.

Q. What kinds of polymers does the Nanospider™ work with?

A: The Nanospider™ is practically able to work with all polymers which are able to form fibers.

Q. Why is m•doc™ used with nanofibers?

m•doc™ is a polymer and as such it is well suited to the nanospider™ production techniques. Nanom•doc™ is an efficient delivery system for m•doc™ and it is 5 times more effective than m•doc™ pad alone.

Q. Is Nanom•doc™ very expensive?

The efficiency of this delivery system also impacts positively on costs as less active material is needed for an improved efficacy

Q. Can we get our material tested on the Nanospider™ line?

A: Yes it is possible to receive material from you and get it tested on the line.

Q. How long does it usually take to produce samples?

A: The usual turnaround time for the delivery of the final samples is 3-4 weeks from receipt of your polymer material.

Q. Are there any charges for the tests?

A: The preliminary tests on small amounts of material are usually free of charge.