Determination of the Operational Parameters for the Manufacturing of Spherical PVP Particles via Electrospray

This work aims at bridging experimental and numerical approaches to determine the optimal operating parameters for the fabrication of well-shaped polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) particles via electrohydrodynamic atomization. Particular emphasis is given to the role of the PVP solution viscosity. Solutions of PVP at various concentrations dissolved in Dimethylformamide (DMF) were prepared and analyzed. Numerical simulation using a coupled electro-CFD model was used to determine the ranges of experimental flow rate and the voltage, ensuring that well-shaped spherical particles are produced. It was deduced that the optimal combination of the parameters (flow rate, voltage, and polymer concentration) can be well approximated by a scaling law. The established relationship allowed determination of a stability island that guarantees that the given polymer solution will form spherical particles. Analyzing morphology and sizes of the particles manufactured in the optimal parameters range, we show, among others, that the size of the PVP particles can be predicted as a function of the flow rate by a power scaling relationship.

Automated summary

This study aims to determine the optimal operating parameters for the fabrication of well-shaped PVP particles through a combination of experimental and numerical approaches, with a focus on the role of PVP solution viscosity. The established scaling law approximates the optimal combination of parameters, ensuring the formation of spherical particles within a stability island. Particle size prediction as a function of flow rate is demonstrated through power scaling relationships within the optimal parameters range.