{"paper_id":"2ec39d18-9773-4472-90b2-eedd917f28db","body_text":"Centrifugal Force Spinning for Producing Polymer Fibers and Polymer Yarns | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Centrifugal Force Spinning for Producing Polymer Fibers and Polymer Yarns Ayesh Silva, Sandaru Wijesuriya Kuranage, Avinash Baji This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7154039/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 25 Nov, 2025 Read the published version in Journal of Polymer Research → Version 1 posted 5 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Polymer fibers and yarns are widely used in applications such as textiles, tissue engineering, composites, air and water filtration. Conventional techniques used for fiber production, such as electrospinning, are limited by the requirement for a high-voltage source and low scalability. This study aimed to design a portable centrifugal force spinning device that can not only produce polymer fibers but also have the flexibility to produce polymer yarns. The device was first designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software and then fabricated using additive manufacturing techniques. Once assembled, the device was used to produce polymer fibers and yarns using poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) solutions. The study demonstrated that the size of the fibers can be controlled by varying the concentration of the polymer within the solution. The fibers obtained had smooth morphology and were found to have diameters ranging from 0.3 to 2.3 µm. Yarns were collected using a cone collector and a mechanical roller system. The mechanical properties of the collected yarns were also investigated. The results demonstrated that the yarns made from fibers with an average diameter of 0.3 µm exhibited 3 MPa as the modulus, while those produced from fibers with an average diameter of 1.7 µm displayed 1 MPa as the modulus. Fibers nanofibers air filtration centrifugal force spinning polymer Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 1. Introduction The demand for polymer fibers has increased significantly due to their applications in industries such as water filtration, biomedical services and textiles 1 – 7 . Microfibers and nanofibers possess unique properties, including low density, a high surface-to-volume ratio, and high pore volume, making them highly valuable for various applications in environmental, biomedical, and energy sectors 8 – 11 . Several techniques have been used to produce polymer fibers, including electrospinning, melt blowing, pull spinning, and template synthesis 6 , 12 – 15 . Among all these techniques, electrospinning is widely used for producing polymer fibers and polymer yarns. This fiber production method uses electrostatic forces to draw fine jets from a polymer solution. As the jet travels toward the collector, the solvent evaporates, causing the jet to thin and ultimately form solid fibers. Despite its versatility in producing fibers from various polymer solutions, it does have some limitations. For example, it is associated with low throughput, and it depends on the use of a high-voltage power supply. In recent years, centrifugal force spinning has emerged as an alternate fiber-producing technique 16 – 18 . Unlike electrospinning, this technique uses centrifugal forces to eject polymer solution from a tiny orifice. The jet undergoes elongation and solvent evaporation while travelling to the collector before being collected as fibers 19 . Compared to electrospinning, this method has higher production rates and requires a simpler setup 20 . Additionally the morphology of the fibers and the size of the fibers can be controlled by varying the parameters such as polymer concentration, solution viscosity, nozzle diameter, and rotational speed 20 . This study investigates the design, fabrication, and testing of a centrifugal spinning device for producing polymer fibers with controlled diameters. The main aim of this study is to design a compact and simple centrifugal force spinning device. The effect of polymer concentration within the solution on the size of the fibers is investigated. Additionally, our study integrates the yarn collection system along with the centrifugal force spinning device to produce polymer yarns. Mechanical deformation behaviour of the collected yarns shows that yarns produced using smaller diameter fibers display improved modulus and tensile strength compared to yarns produced using larger diameter fibers. 2. Materials and Methods 2.1 Designing Centrifugal Force Spinner The design of a benchtop centrifugal force spinning device followed a structured process. It involved computer-aided design (CAD), additive manufacturing, and iterative mechanical integration. SolidWorks CAD software was used to develop the initial design of the centrifugal force spinner. The design included a spinneret, motor housing, enclosure for the electronics, and a collector drum. The spinneret used in the design had ten orifices (~ 0.75 mm diameter) around its periphery. This ensured that a large quantity of fibers were ejected during high-speed rotation. Figure 1 shows the SolidWorks assembly drawing of the device. A brushless DC motor (GT2209) with a 1780 kV rating was used to provide the rotational force required for centrifugal force spinning. The size of the motor was 28.5 x 28.5 mm 2 . It’s shaft was 15.5 mm long and 4 mm in diameter. A 40A continuous current electronic speed controller (ESC) module was used to regulate the motor’s speed by controlling the power supplied to the motor. The ESC used weighed 19g in weight and measured 42 x 5 x 8 mm³. A 3-cell lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery was used to provide an 11.1 V output to run both the motor and ESC. The battery had a capacity of 1300 mAh. The dimensions of the battery were 73 x 32 x 22 mm 3 . A digital servo motor tester was used to control the motor speed. The voltage consumption rating of the servo motor tester was 4–6 V DC. Its size was 48 x 42 x 17 mm 3 . A digital tachometer was used to determine the rotational speed of the spinneret. The motor used was mounted within the collector drum and was coupled to the spinneret using a custom-designed shaft and a mounting hub, as shown in Fig. 1 . Figure 2 shows the specifications of the collector drum used in the design. The internal diameter of the drum was 160 mm, and the shape of the drum was conical in shape. The wall thickness of the drum was 5 mm, and the depth was 70 mm, as shown in Fig. 2 . A commercially sourced three-blade fan was positioned at the rear of the motor to generate airflow during the operation. This ensured that the ejected fibers were directed towards the yarn collection system. All components were assembled into a compact enclosure, with internal wiring routed through the collector drum to the electronics compartment. The dimensions of the enclosure box are also shown in Fig. 2 . The enclosure was designed to house the ESC, battery, and control interface, ensuring minimal bulk and ease of access. Lastly, the spinneret was designed with an internal cavity to hold the polymer solution (see Fig. 2 ). The spinneret comprised a circular disc-shaped structure with three internal vanes symmetrically spaced about a central hub. An inlet tube was integrated into the design to facilitate the injection of the polymer solution into the spinneret chamber. The overall outer diameter of the spinneret was 69 mm, while the central circular passage had a diameter of 13 mm. 2.2 Designing Yarn Collector A yarn collection system was designed and integrated with the centrifugal force spinner to collect twisted yarns from the ejected fibers. As shown in Fig. 1 , the yarn collector consisted of two main components: the cone rotor and a mechanical roller. The fibers that are ejected out from the centrifugal force spinner were directed onto the cone rotor, which helped to twist the fibers into the form of yarns. This cone rotor was driven by a low-rpm DC motor, facilitating slow rotation and ensuring uniform twisting without damaging the yarns. The yarn was then manually transferred onto the mechanical roller, which was also driven by a low-rpm motor. Both these motors were independently controlled using a potentiometer-equipped motor driver. A 12 V Li-Po rechargeable battery was used to power both DC motors. 2.3 Materials Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM, MW = 300,000) obtained from Scientific Polymer Products (New York, USA) and poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP, MW = 400,000) obtained from Sigma-Aldrich (Australia) were used in this study. Ethanol and dimethylformamide (DMF), procured from CSA Scientific (Australia), and acetone, procured from Sigma-Aldrich (Australia), were used as solvents. 2.4 Spinning Solutions Two different solutions were prepared in this study. The first solution was prepared by dissolving PNIPAM in ethanol under ambient conditions. PNIPAM concentration within the solution was 21 wt%. The second solution was prepared by dissolving PVDF-HFP in a DMF:acetone (60:40 wt/wt) solvent solution. This solution was stirred using a hot-plate stirrer until the polymer was completely dissolved. PVDF concentration within this solution was varied from 18 wt% to 24 wt%. 2.5 Polymer Fibers The ability of the device to produce fibers were first investigated using the prepared PNIPAM solution. PNIPAM solution was fed into the custom-designed spinneret chamber equipped with multiple peripheral orifices (~ 0.75 mm diameter). Using the brushless DC motor, the spinneret was rotated at high speeds (2000–3500 rpm). 2.6 Polymer Yarns PVDF-HFP solution was used to collect yarns. For this purpose, the PVDF-HFP solution was loaded into the spinneret chamber with 0.75mm diameter orifices. The spinneret was rotated with the help of DC motor operating between 2000–3500 rpm. The solution was extruded radially outward due to centrifugal force. The fan was used to direct the extruded fibers towards the cone-shaped collector. After a sufficient number of fibers accumulated on the cone collector, they were carefully transferred onto a mechanical roller system designed to twist and wind the fibers into continuous yarns. The spinning conditions, such as the motor speed, feed rate and roller distances, were all kept constant. 2.6 Characterization The fiber and the yarn samples were imaged using both an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Samples that were examined using SEM were prepared by coating a thin layer of gold. SEM (FESEM SU7000, Hitachi) was then operated at an accelerating voltage of 10 kV to image the samples. Mechanical properties of the yarns were evaluated using an Electropuls E10000 testing system. Yarn samples were prepared using standardized mounting frames to ensure uniform loading. Tests were conducted at a strain rate of 2 mm/min, and each measurement was repeated three times to ensure reproducibility. 3. Results and Discussion The centrifugal spinning device and its key components are successfully fabricated using additive manufacturing techniques based on the CAD models. Polylactic acid (PLA) is used to print non-critical structural components such as the motor housing, enclosure box, cone collector, and mechanical roller. However, the spinneret is made from carbon fiber reinforced nylon filament (see Fig. 3 ). This material is used due to its enhanced chemical resistance and mechanical durability compared to PLA. It ensured that the material used for the spinneret does not chemically react with solvents. Once the device is fabricated and assembled, its performance is evaluated using the prepared PNIPAM solution. The solution is injected into the spinneret chamber through a dedicated inlet tube that is integrated into the spinneret design. The spinneret is then rotated at 3500 rpm using the DC motor. The fibers are seen to eject from the orifices of the spinneret. It is known that at critical rotational speeds, fiber formation occurs when the centrifugal force exceeds the surface tension of the polymer solution 18 , 20 . This causes the fluid to eject in the form of fine jets from the orifices. The ejected jets undergo rapid elongation and thinning due to air drag and centrifugal acceleration. The solvent from the ejecting filaments evaporates during its travel towards the collector. Eventually, they are collected in the form of fibers. In our study, 3500 rpm is found to be the critical rotational speed required for fiber formation. SEM images of the fibers produced at 3500 rpm are seen to be smooth, continuous, with minimal bead formation. Figure 4 shows the SEM images of the PNIPAM fibers produced using the device. The average size of the fibers is determined to be 2 µm using the ImageJ software. In the next step, the polymer solution within the spinneret is replaced with PVDF-HFP solution. The concentration of PVDF-HFP within the solution is varied from 18 wt% to 24 wt% to determine the effect of polymer concentration on the size of the fibers. All the other parameters, such as rotational speed, distance to the collector, are kept constant. Figure 5 shows the SEM image of the PVDF-HFP fibers produced using an 18wt% solution. The average size of the PVDF-HFP fibers produced using an 18 wt% solution is determined to be 0.4 µm in diameter. The average diameter of the fibers is seen to increase to 1.7 and 2.3 µm when the 22 and 24 wt% solutions are used, respectively. The increase in size of the fibers can be attributed to the increase in solution viscosity. Higher viscosity solutions provide greater resistance to centrifugal forces, resulting in the formation of larger-sized fibers. Once fiber formation is established, the next step involved collecting continuous yarns using the designed yarn collector in conjunction with the centrifugal force spinner. Figure 6 shows the setup used to produce yarns. The centrifugal force spinner is used to produce continuous fibers. The use of a fan ensured that the fibers are directed towards the cone collector. The cone collector is made to rotate at a low rpm (~250 rpm), which helped in collecting the fibers and twisting them to produce yarns. The yarns are then wound on the mechanical roller. Figure 6 also shows an SEM image of the yarns collected using this setup. It is clear that there is some presence of beads. This could be due to the use of a fan, which contributed to depositing the fibers on the cone collector before the solvent had the chance to fully evaporate. The mechanical deformation behaviour of the collected yarns is then investigated. For this purpose, the yarn samples are affixed to a cardboard frame, with the ends of the frame secured in the test fixtures as shown in Fig. 7 . Before the test, the cardboard frame was trimmed, leaving the yarn exposed to the tensile load. The yarn is then pulled at a constant 2 mm/min rate, and the load vs displacement is recorded for the sample. The diameter of the yarns is determined prior to the test using an optical microscope. Stress is then determined by dividing the measured load by the cross-sectional area. Figure 7 also shows a representative stress versus strain curve for the yarn sample produced 18 and 22 wt% solution. Tensile strength and modulus of the yarn sample produced using 18 wt% solution is determined to be ~ 17 MPa and 3 MPa, respectively. Similarly, the tensile strength and modulus of the yarn sample produced using 22 wt% solution is determined to be ~ 10 MPa and 1 MPa, respectively. The tensile strength and modulus of the yarns produced using 18wt% polymer solution are seen to be higher than the tensile strength and modulus of the yarns produced using 22 wt% solution. This can be attributed to the smaller size of fibers produced using an 18 wt% solution. This is consistent with the results reported in the literature 8 , 21 – 25 . Smaller-sized fibers are known to have a higher degree of chain orientation compared to larger-sized fibers 23 – 25 . This enables them with better load-bearing capabilities. 4. Conclusion This study successfully demonstrated the design, fabrication, and testing of a centrifugal spinning device capable of producing both polymer fibers and yarns. Our results indicate that this device has the potential to create polymer fibers and yarns similar to those produced by electrospinning. By incorporating a custom-designed spinneret, a brushless DC motor, and a yarn collection system, the device can continuously extrude fibers and form yarn without the need for a high-voltage source or a compressed gas system. Our results show that the size of the fibers can be easily controlled by varying the parameters used during the centrifugal force spinning. Our future studies will focus on optimizing the air flow, collection timing and distance of the yarn collector from the spinneret to eliminate any presence of beads and promote complete solvent evaporation. These results highlight the potential of using centrifugal force spinning as a scalable, portable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional fiber production methods. Declarations Acknowledgements The authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of Mr. Mark Gentile and Mr. Habib Rahman to assist with the 3D printing and assembly of the device. Author Contribution Ayesh Silva: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing – Original draft preparation. Sandaru Wijesuriya Kuranage: Methodology, Investigation. Avinash Baji: Supervision, Validation, Reviewing. Funding This work is supported by La Trobe University Leadership RFA Grant and La Trobe University Theme Investment Schemes (ABC Scheme) Grant. Data Availability All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in the published article. Conflict of interest We declare that we have no conflict of interest. References Hu SM, Wang L, Yuan ZX, Chen K, Peng W, Yin H, Shi ZJ, Yang G (2025) Polymer-based smart fibers and textiles for wearable electronics. Sci China-Technological Sci 68(1):1110201 Hufenus R, Yan YR, Dauner M, Kikutani T (2020) Melt-Spun Fibers for Textile Applications. Materials 13(19):4298 Luzio A, Canesi EV, Bertarelli C, Caironi M (2014) Electrospun Polymer Fibers for Electronic Applications. 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J Polym Sci Part B-Polymer Phys 44(10):1482–1489 Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 25 Nov, 2025 Read the published version in Journal of Polymer Research → Version 1 posted Reviewers agreed at journal 07 Sep, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 19 Aug, 2025 Editor invited by journal 16 Aug, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 23 Jul, 2025 First submitted to journal 22 Jul, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {\"props\":{\"pageProps\":{\"initialData\":{\"identity\":\"rs-7154039\",\"acceptedTermsAndConditions\":true,\"allowDirectSubmit\":false,\"archivedVersions\":[],\"articleType\":\"Research Article\",\"associatedPublications\":[],\"authors\":[{\"id\":502467939,\"identity\":\"10267c53-3e4c-416b-a05b-7fc483805691\",\"order_by\":0,\"name\":\"Ayesh Silva\",\"email\":\"\",\"orcid\":\"\",\"institution\":\"\",\"correspondingAuthor\":false,\"prefix\":\"\",\"firstName\":\"Ayesh\",\"middleName\":\"\",\"lastName\":\"Silva\",\"suffix\":\"\"},{\"id\":502467940,\"identity\":\"a456c5c4-8104-4ffa-8a1a-587e24665836\",\"order_by\":1,\"name\":\"Sandaru Wijesuriya Kuranage\",\"email\":\"\",\"orcid\":\"\",\"institution\":\"\",\"correspondingAuthor\":false,\"prefix\":\"\",\"firstName\":\"Sandaru\",\"middleName\":\"Wijesuriya\",\"lastName\":\"Kuranage\",\"suffix\":\"\"},{\"id\":502467941,\"identity\":\"c61f28cb-d29e-4695-ab1a-5332dcd47b9f\",\"order_by\":2,\"name\":\"Avinash Baji\",\"email\":\"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAA8ElEQVRIie3RMWsCMRTA8XcErsvzXJ9Y7r5CjoAoiJ8l5eDmGzsUvMnNXUHwK/gRIoG4SLsGnMS1g9Cl0CKeWdxi3QrmPyUhPx4hAKHQvwwBiA+fL0vmDtTfSIkQ30UA9B2kXbfWx371ge3ldH+oXiFNrIy+0ENIJQUR3yGZJyFmWxAdK1nXR0AhdwRMHHdbE3hZWQlekikU38TfMXPkBOOGsB8f4Qp7zZRmliM1SG5l7J2S66TsEy8wNyUTM0P5fLufDBYekm6meke/ozTVJjpUb8Ms2RTafvqe3/wFo+v2soxqH3BFx5tXQqFQ6KE7Az9yQYaB05jsAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC\",\"orcid\":\"https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8834-0506\",\"institution\":\"La Trobe University - Bundoora Campus: La Trobe University\",\"correspondingAuthor\":true,\"prefix\":\"\",\"firstName\":\"Avinash\",\"middleName\":\"\",\"lastName\":\"Baji\",\"suffix\":\"\"}],\"badges\":[],\"createdAt\":\"2025-07-18 05:21:53\",\"currentVersionCode\":1,\"declarations\":\"\",\"doi\":\"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7154039/v1\",\"doiUrl\":\"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7154039/v1\",\"draftVersion\":[],\"editorialEvents\":[{\"content\":\"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-025-04685-6\",\"type\":\"published\",\"date\":\"2025-11-25T15:56:52+00:00\"}],\"editorialNote\":\"\",\"failedWorkflow\":false,\"files\":[{\"id\":90033524,\"identity\":\"3a3316b5-4fd7-416b-81ff-3b3eaa3506a8\",\"added_by\":\"auto\",\"created_at\":\"2025-08-27 15:32:38\",\"extension\":\"png\",\"order_by\":1,\"title\":\"Figure 1\",\"display\":\"\",\"copyAsset\":false,\"role\":\"figure\",\"size\":137266,\"visible\":true,\"origin\":\"\",\"legend\":\"\\u003cp\\u003eCAD design of the polymer fiber and yarn production device A) Exploded view of the polymer fiber producing device. Key components such as fan, fiber collecting drum, motor with mount plate, spinneret mount shaft and electronic enclosure box are shown in the figure, B) Isometric views of the assembled device highlighting the compact design and internal configuration, and C) CAD rendering of the yarn collector setup used in conjunction with the polymer fiber producing device.\\u003c/p\\u003e\",\"description\":\"\",\"filename\":\"1.png\",\"url\":\"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7154039/v1/94ef5434f16b8c34475b0366.png\"},{\"id\":90033526,\"identity\":\"7fcfe8cf-152b-40ee-a0dd-7bf8a0cf030f\",\"added_by\":\"auto\",\"created_at\":\"2025-08-27 15:32:38\",\"extension\":\"png\",\"order_by\":2,\"title\":\"Figure 2\",\"display\":\"\",\"copyAsset\":false,\"role\":\"figure\",\"size\":124235,\"visible\":true,\"origin\":\"\",\"legend\":\"\\u003cp\\u003eCAD models and drawings of key components of the centrifugal force spinning device. A) Image of the spinneret housing featuring a circular chamber. The motor and the fan are fixed on the cross-shaped internal support, B) Image of the rectangular enclosure for housing the electronics, and C) 3D rending of the spinneret used. The image on the left shows the internal cavity present in the spinneret to hold the polymer solution. Three curved blades are attached to the central hub of the spinneret.\\u003c/p\\u003e\",\"description\":\"\",\"filename\":\"2.png\",\"url\":\"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7154039/v1/d8240fe7c23d91929f24e2d4.png\"},{\"id\":90034658,\"identity\":\"c8fea89b-4847-4ce3-a3cb-dcf8bc1406d1\",\"added_by\":\"auto\",\"created_at\":\"2025-08-27 15:40:38\",\"extension\":\"png\",\"order_by\":3,\"title\":\"Figure 3\",\"display\":\"\",\"copyAsset\":false,\"role\":\"figure\",\"size\":248435,\"visible\":true,\"origin\":\"\",\"legend\":\"\\u003cp\\u003eImage shows the components of the centrifugal force spinning device produced using 3D printing. The motor and the electrical components are also incorporated onto the 3D printed components. The spinneret used is 3D printed using carbon fiber reinforced nylon filament.\\u003c/p\\u003e\",\"description\":\"\",\"filename\":\"3.png\",\"url\":\"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7154039/v1/17ab76b57eb8b1c623bcc495.png\"},{\"id\":90033530,\"identity\":\"169908c0-1c04-440b-8d2c-d467321b4e65\",\"added_by\":\"auto\",\"created_at\":\"2025-08-27 15:32:38\",\"extension\":\"png\",\"order_by\":4,\"title\":\"Figure 4\",\"display\":\"\",\"copyAsset\":false,\"role\":\"figure\",\"size\":231822,\"visible\":true,\"origin\":\"\",\"legend\":\"\\u003cp\\u003eSEM image of the PNIPAM fibers produced using centrifugal force spinning device\\u003c/p\\u003e\",\"description\":\"\",\"filename\":\"4.png\",\"url\":\"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7154039/v1/a8b6ad2b96bc173afeff2dd5.png\"},{\"id\":90036747,\"identity\":\"789f325f-dd84-4296-8e19-cecfdfed17fa\",\"added_by\":\"auto\",\"created_at\":\"2025-08-27 15:56:38\",\"extension\":\"png\",\"order_by\":5,\"title\":\"Figure 5\",\"display\":\"\",\"copyAsset\":false,\"role\":\"figure\",\"size\":136366,\"visible\":true,\"origin\":\"\",\"legend\":\"\\u003cp\\u003eSEM image of PVDF-HFP fibers produced using the centrifugal force spinning device.\\u003c/p\\u003e\",\"description\":\"\",\"filename\":\"5.png\",\"url\":\"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7154039/v1/59331dba1c1160785d754937.png\"},{\"id\":90033532,\"identity\":\"c739a883-f280-4166-8eeb-27fb55c85229\",\"added_by\":\"auto\",\"created_at\":\"2025-08-27 15:32:38\",\"extension\":\"png\",\"order_by\":6,\"title\":\"Figure 6\",\"display\":\"\",\"copyAsset\":false,\"role\":\"figure\",\"size\":220514,\"visible\":true,\"origin\":\"\",\"legend\":\"\\u003cp\\u003eA) The setup used to produce continuous fiber yarns. The centrifugal force spinning device is used in conjunction with the yarn collector setup, and B) SEM image of the yarns produced using the setup.\\u003c/p\\u003e\",\"description\":\"\",\"filename\":\"6.png\",\"url\":\"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7154039/v1/54ec9c6bf2dd7c708d80669b.png\"},{\"id\":90034659,\"identity\":\"270b4f19-312a-49da-a32a-ed7cf595259f\",\"added_by\":\"auto\",\"created_at\":\"2025-08-27 15:40:38\",\"extension\":\"png\",\"order_by\":7,\"title\":\"Figure 7\",\"display\":\"\",\"copyAsset\":false,\"role\":\"figure\",\"size\":90799,\"visible\":true,\"origin\":\"\",\"legend\":\"\\u003cp\\u003eA) Image shows the setup used to investigate the tensile deformation behaviour of the yarns, and B) Representative stress vs strain curves recorded for the yarn samples produced using 18 and 22 wt% solution.\\u003c/p\\u003e\",\"description\":\"\",\"filename\":\"7.png\",\"url\":\"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7154039/v1/ce841a6802a1d03aa4ebb073.png\"},{\"id\":97178026,\"identity\":\"6d4efc1e-4231-4017-b3f8-821fc8ee470c\",\"added_by\":\"auto\",\"created_at\":\"2025-12-01 15:59:56\",\"extension\":\"pdf\",\"order_by\":0,\"title\":\"\",\"display\":\"\",\"copyAsset\":false,\"role\":\"manuscript-pdf\",\"size\":1729774,\"visible\":true,\"origin\":\"\",\"legend\":\"\",\"description\":\"\",\"filename\":\"manuscript.pdf\",\"url\":\"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7154039/v1/3b8da2dc-bfb9-4dae-aa31-d8887dc90894.pdf\"}],\"financialInterests\":\"\",\"formattedTitle\":\"Centrifugal Force Spinning for Producing Polymer Fibers and Polymer Yarns\",\"fulltext\":[{\"header\":\"1. Introduction\",\"content\":\"\\u003cp\\u003eThe demand for polymer fibers has increased significantly due to their applications in industries such as water filtration, biomedical services and textiles \\u003csup\\u003e\\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\\\"CR2 CR3 CR4 CR5 CR6\\\" citationid=\\\"CR1\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e1\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u0026ndash;\\u003cspan citationid=\\\"CR7\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e7\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/sup\\u003e. Microfibers and nanofibers possess unique properties, including low density, a high surface-to-volume ratio, and high pore volume, making them highly valuable for various applications in environmental, biomedical, and energy sectors \\u003csup\\u003e\\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\\\"CR9 CR10\\\" citationid=\\\"CR8\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e8\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u0026ndash;\\u003cspan citationid=\\\"CR11\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e11\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/sup\\u003e. Several techniques have been used to produce polymer fibers, including electrospinning, melt blowing, pull spinning, and template synthesis \\u003csup\\u003e\\u003cspan citationid=\\\"CR6\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e6\\u003c/span\\u003e, \\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\\\"CR13 CR14\\\" citationid=\\\"CR12\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e12\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u0026ndash;\\u003cspan citationid=\\\"CR15\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e15\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/sup\\u003e. Among all these techniques, electrospinning is widely used for producing polymer fibers and polymer yarns. This fiber production method uses electrostatic forces to draw fine jets from a polymer solution. As the jet travels toward the collector, the solvent evaporates, causing the jet to thin and ultimately form solid fibers. Despite its versatility in producing fibers from various polymer solutions, it does have some limitations. For example, it is associated with low throughput, and it depends on the use of a high-voltage power supply.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003eIn recent years, centrifugal force spinning has emerged as an alternate fiber-producing technique \\u003csup\\u003e\\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\\\"CR17\\\" citationid=\\\"CR16\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e16\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u0026ndash;\\u003cspan citationid=\\\"CR18\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e18\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/sup\\u003e. Unlike electrospinning, this technique uses centrifugal forces to eject polymer solution from a tiny orifice. The jet undergoes elongation and solvent evaporation while travelling to the collector before being collected as fibers \\u003csup\\u003e\\u003cspan citationid=\\\"CR19\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e19\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/sup\\u003e. Compared to electrospinning, this method has higher production rates and requires a simpler setup \\u003csup\\u003e\\u003cspan citationid=\\\"CR20\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e20\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/sup\\u003e. Additionally the morphology of the fibers and the size of the fibers can be controlled by varying the parameters such as polymer concentration, solution viscosity, nozzle diameter, and rotational speed \\u003csup\\u003e\\u003cspan citationid=\\\"CR20\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e20\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/sup\\u003e.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003eThis study investigates the design, fabrication, and testing of a centrifugal spinning device for producing polymer fibers with controlled diameters. The main aim of this study is to design a compact and simple centrifugal force spinning device. The effect of polymer concentration within the solution on the size of the fibers is investigated. Additionally, our study integrates the yarn collection system along with the centrifugal force spinning device to produce polymer yarns. Mechanical deformation behaviour of the collected yarns shows that yarns produced using smaller diameter fibers display improved modulus and tensile strength compared to yarns produced using larger diameter fibers.\\u003c/p\\u003e\"},{\"header\":\"2. Materials and Methods\",\"content\":\"\\u003cdiv id=\\\"Sec3\\\" class=\\\"Section2\\\"\\u003e\\u003ch2\\u003e2.1 Designing Centrifugal Force Spinner\\u003c/h2\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003eThe design of a benchtop centrifugal force spinning device followed a structured process. It involved computer-aided design (CAD), additive manufacturing, and iterative mechanical integration. SolidWorks CAD software was used to develop the initial design of the centrifugal force spinner. The design included a spinneret, motor housing, enclosure for the electronics, and a collector drum. The spinneret used in the design had ten orifices (~\\u0026thinsp;0.75 mm diameter) around its periphery. This ensured that a large quantity of fibers were ejected during high-speed rotation. Figure\\u0026nbsp;\\u003cspan refid=\\\"Fig1\\\" class=\\\"InternalRef\\\"\\u003e1\\u003c/span\\u003e shows the SolidWorks assembly drawing of the device.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003eA brushless DC motor (GT2209) with a 1780 kV rating was used to provide the rotational force required for centrifugal force spinning. The size of the motor was 28.5 x 28.5 mm\\u003csup\\u003e\\u003cspan citationid=\\\"CR2\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e2\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/sup\\u003e. It\\u0026rsquo;s shaft was 15.5 mm long and 4 mm in diameter. A 40A continuous current electronic speed controller (ESC) module was used to regulate the motor\\u0026rsquo;s speed by controlling the power supplied to the motor. The ESC used weighed 19g in weight and measured 42 x 5 x 8 mm\\u0026sup3;. A 3-cell lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery was used to provide an 11.1 V output to run both the motor and ESC. The battery had a capacity of 1300 mAh. The dimensions of the battery were 73 x 32 x 22 mm\\u003csup\\u003e\\u003cspan citationid=\\\"CR3\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e3\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/sup\\u003e. A digital servo motor tester was used to control the motor speed. The voltage consumption rating of the servo motor tester was 4\\u0026ndash;6 V DC. Its size was 48 x 42 x 17 mm\\u003csup\\u003e\\u003cspan citationid=\\\"CR3\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e3\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/sup\\u003e. A digital tachometer was used to determine the rotational speed of the spinneret.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003eThe motor used was mounted within the collector drum and was coupled to the spinneret using a custom-designed shaft and a mounting hub, as shown in Fig.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003cspan refid=\\\"Fig1\\\" class=\\\"InternalRef\\\"\\u003e1\\u003c/span\\u003e. Figure\\u0026nbsp;\\u003cspan refid=\\\"Fig2\\\" class=\\\"InternalRef\\\"\\u003e2\\u003c/span\\u003e shows the specifications of the collector drum used in the design. The internal diameter of the drum was 160 mm, and the shape of the drum was conical in shape. The wall thickness of the drum was 5 mm, and the depth was 70 mm, as shown in Fig.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003cspan refid=\\\"Fig2\\\" class=\\\"InternalRef\\\"\\u003e2\\u003c/span\\u003e. A commercially sourced three-blade fan was positioned at the rear of the motor to generate airflow during the operation. This ensured that the ejected fibers were directed towards the yarn collection system. All components were assembled into a compact enclosure, with internal wiring routed through the collector drum to the electronics compartment. The dimensions of the enclosure box are also shown in Fig.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003cspan refid=\\\"Fig2\\\" class=\\\"InternalRef\\\"\\u003e2\\u003c/span\\u003e. The enclosure was designed to house the ESC, battery, and control interface, ensuring minimal bulk and ease of access. Lastly, the spinneret was designed with an internal cavity to hold the polymer solution (see Fig.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003cspan refid=\\\"Fig2\\\" class=\\\"InternalRef\\\"\\u003e2\\u003c/span\\u003e). The spinneret comprised a circular disc-shaped structure with three internal vanes symmetrically spaced about a central hub. An inlet tube was integrated into the design to facilitate the injection of the polymer solution into the spinneret chamber. The overall outer diameter of the spinneret was 69 mm, while the central circular passage had a diameter of 13 mm.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003c/div\\u003e\\u003cdiv id=\\\"Sec4\\\" class=\\\"Section2\\\"\\u003e\\u003ch2\\u003e2.2 Designing Yarn Collector\\u003c/h2\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003eA yarn collection system was designed and integrated with the centrifugal force spinner to collect twisted yarns from the ejected fibers. As shown in Fig.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003cspan refid=\\\"Fig1\\\" class=\\\"InternalRef\\\"\\u003e1\\u003c/span\\u003e, the yarn collector consisted of two main components: the cone rotor and a mechanical roller. The fibers that are ejected out from the centrifugal force spinner were directed onto the cone rotor, which helped to twist the fibers into the form of yarns. This cone rotor was driven by a low-rpm DC motor, facilitating slow rotation and ensuring uniform twisting without damaging the yarns. The yarn was then manually transferred onto the mechanical roller, which was also driven by a low-rpm motor. Both these motors were independently controlled using a potentiometer-equipped motor driver. A 12 V Li-Po rechargeable battery was used to power both DC motors.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003c/div\\u003e\\u003cdiv id=\\\"Sec5\\\" class=\\\"Section2\\\"\\u003e\\u003ch2\\u003e2.3 Materials\\u003c/h2\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003ePoly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM, MW\\u0026thinsp;=\\u0026thinsp;300,000) obtained from Scientific Polymer Products (New York, USA) and poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP, MW\\u0026thinsp;=\\u0026thinsp;400,000) obtained from Sigma-Aldrich (Australia) were used in this study. Ethanol and dimethylformamide (DMF), procured from CSA Scientific (Australia), and acetone, procured from Sigma-Aldrich (Australia), were used as solvents.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003c/div\\u003e\\u003cdiv id=\\\"Sec6\\\" class=\\\"Section2\\\"\\u003e\\u003ch2\\u003e2.4 Spinning Solutions\\u003c/h2\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003eTwo different solutions were prepared in this study. The first solution was prepared by dissolving PNIPAM in ethanol under ambient conditions. PNIPAM concentration within the solution was 21 wt%. The second solution was prepared by dissolving PVDF-HFP in a DMF:acetone (60:40 wt/wt) solvent solution. This solution was stirred using a hot-plate stirrer until the polymer was completely dissolved. PVDF concentration within this solution was varied from 18 wt% to 24 wt%.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003c/div\\u003e\\u003cdiv id=\\\"Sec7\\\" class=\\\"Section2\\\"\\u003e\\u003ch2\\u003e2.5 Polymer Fibers\\u003c/h2\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003eThe ability of the device to produce fibers were first investigated using the prepared PNIPAM solution. PNIPAM solution was fed into the custom-designed spinneret chamber equipped with multiple peripheral orifices (~\\u0026thinsp;0.75 mm diameter). Using the brushless DC motor, the spinneret was rotated at high speeds (2000\\u0026ndash;3500 rpm).\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003c/div\\u003e\\u003cdiv id=\\\"Sec8\\\" class=\\\"Section2\\\"\\u003e\\u003ch2\\u003e2.6 Polymer Yarns\\u003c/h2\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003ePVDF-HFP solution was used to collect yarns. For this purpose, the PVDF-HFP solution was loaded into the spinneret chamber with 0.75mm diameter orifices. The spinneret was rotated with the help of DC motor operating between 2000\\u0026ndash;3500 rpm. The solution was extruded radially outward due to centrifugal force. The fan was used to direct the extruded fibers towards the cone-shaped collector. After a sufficient number of fibers accumulated on the cone collector, they were carefully transferred onto a mechanical roller system designed to twist and wind the fibers into continuous yarns. The spinning conditions, such as the motor speed, feed rate and roller distances, were all kept constant.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003c/div\\u003e\\u003cdiv id=\\\"Sec9\\\" class=\\\"Section2\\\"\\u003e\\u003ch2\\u003e2.6 Characterization\\u003c/h2\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003eThe fiber and the yarn samples were imaged using both an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Samples that were examined using SEM were prepared by coating a thin layer of gold. SEM (FESEM SU7000, Hitachi) was then operated at an accelerating voltage of 10 kV to image the samples. Mechanical properties of the yarns were evaluated using an Electropuls E10000 testing system. Yarn samples were prepared using standardized mounting frames to ensure uniform loading. Tests were conducted at a strain rate of 2 mm/min, and each measurement was repeated three times to ensure reproducibility.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003c/div\\u003e\"},{\"header\":\"3. Results and Discussion\",\"content\":\"\\u003cp\\u003eThe centrifugal spinning device and its key components are successfully fabricated using additive manufacturing techniques based on the CAD models. Polylactic acid (PLA) is used to print non-critical structural components such as the motor housing, enclosure box, cone collector, and mechanical roller. However, the spinneret is made from carbon fiber reinforced nylon filament (see Fig.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003cspan refid=\\\"Fig3\\\" class=\\\"InternalRef\\\"\\u003e3\\u003c/span\\u003e). This material is used due to its enhanced chemical resistance and mechanical durability compared to PLA. It ensured that the material used for the spinneret does not chemically react with solvents.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003eOnce the device is fabricated and assembled, its performance is evaluated using the prepared PNIPAM solution. The solution is injected into the spinneret chamber through a dedicated inlet tube that is integrated into the spinneret design. The spinneret is then rotated at 3500 rpm using the DC motor. The fibers are seen to eject from the orifices of the spinneret. It is known that at critical rotational speeds, fiber formation occurs when the centrifugal force exceeds the surface tension of the polymer solution \\u003csup\\u003e\\u003cspan citationid=\\\"CR18\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e18\\u003c/span\\u003e, \\u003cspan citationid=\\\"CR20\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e20\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/sup\\u003e. This causes the fluid to eject in the form of fine jets from the orifices. The ejected jets undergo rapid elongation and thinning due to air drag and centrifugal acceleration. The solvent from the ejecting filaments evaporates during its travel towards the collector. Eventually, they are collected in the form of fibers. In our study, 3500 rpm is found to be the critical rotational speed required for fiber formation. SEM images of the fibers produced at 3500 rpm are seen to be smooth, continuous, with minimal bead formation. Figure\\u0026nbsp;\\u003cspan refid=\\\"Fig4\\\" class=\\\"InternalRef\\\"\\u003e4\\u003c/span\\u003e shows the SEM images of the PNIPAM fibers produced using the device. The average size of the fibers is determined to be 2 \\u0026micro;m using the ImageJ software.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003eIn the next step, the polymer solution within the spinneret is replaced with PVDF-HFP solution. The concentration of PVDF-HFP within the solution is varied from 18 wt% to 24 wt% to determine the effect of polymer concentration on the size of the fibers. All the other parameters, such as rotational speed, distance to the collector, are kept constant. Figure\\u0026nbsp;\\u003cspan refid=\\\"Fig5\\\" class=\\\"InternalRef\\\"\\u003e5\\u003c/span\\u003e shows the SEM image of the PVDF-HFP fibers produced using an 18wt% solution. The average size of the PVDF-HFP fibers produced using an 18 wt% solution is determined to be 0.4 \\u0026micro;m in diameter. The average diameter of the fibers is seen to increase to 1.7 and 2.3 \\u0026micro;m when the 22 and 24 wt% solutions are used, respectively. The increase in size of the fibers can be attributed to the increase in solution viscosity. Higher viscosity solutions provide greater resistance to centrifugal forces, resulting in the formation of larger-sized fibers.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003eOnce fiber formation is established, the next step involved collecting continuous yarns using the designed yarn collector in conjunction with the centrifugal force spinner. Figure \\u003cspan refid=\\\"Fig6\\\" class=\\\"InternalRef\\\"\\u003e6\\u003c/span\\u003e shows the setup used to produce yarns. The centrifugal force spinner is used to produce continuous fibers. The use of a fan ensured that the fibers are directed towards the cone collector. The cone collector is made to rotate at a low rpm (~250 rpm), which helped in collecting the fibers and twisting them to produce yarns. The yarns are then wound on the mechanical roller. Figure \\u003cspan refid=\\\"Fig6\\\" class=\\\"InternalRef\\\"\\u003e6\\u003c/span\\u003e also shows an SEM image of the yarns collected using this setup. It is clear that there is some presence of beads. This could be due to the use of a fan, which contributed to depositing the fibers on the cone collector before the solvent had the chance to fully evaporate.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003eThe mechanical deformation behaviour of the collected yarns is then investigated. For this purpose, the yarn samples are affixed to a cardboard frame, with the ends of the frame secured in the test fixtures as shown in Fig.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003cspan refid=\\\"Fig7\\\" class=\\\"InternalRef\\\"\\u003e7\\u003c/span\\u003e. Before the test, the cardboard frame was trimmed, leaving the yarn exposed to the tensile load. The yarn is then pulled at a constant 2 mm/min rate, and the load \\u003cem\\u003evs\\u003c/em\\u003e displacement is recorded for the sample. The diameter of the yarns is determined prior to the test using an optical microscope. Stress is then determined by dividing the measured load by the cross-sectional area. Figure\\u0026nbsp;\\u003cspan refid=\\\"Fig7\\\" class=\\\"InternalRef\\\"\\u003e7\\u003c/span\\u003e also shows a representative stress \\u003cem\\u003eversus\\u003c/em\\u003e strain curve for the yarn sample produced 18 and 22 wt% solution. Tensile strength and modulus of the yarn sample produced using 18 wt% solution is determined to be ~\\u0026thinsp;17 MPa and 3 MPa, respectively. Similarly, the tensile strength and modulus of the yarn sample produced using 22 wt% solution is determined to be ~\\u0026thinsp;10 MPa and 1 MPa, respectively. The tensile strength and modulus of the yarns produced using 18wt% polymer solution are seen to be higher than the tensile strength and modulus of the yarns produced using 22 wt% solution. This can be attributed to the smaller size of fibers produced using an 18 wt% solution. This is consistent with the results reported in the literature \\u003csup\\u003e\\u003cspan citationid=\\\"CR8\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e8\\u003c/span\\u003e, \\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\\\"CR22 CR23 CR24\\\" citationid=\\\"CR21\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e21\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u0026ndash;\\u003cspan citationid=\\\"CR25\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e25\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/sup\\u003e. Smaller-sized fibers are known to have a higher degree of chain orientation compared to larger-sized fibers \\u003csup\\u003e\\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\\\"CR24\\\" citationid=\\\"CR23\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e23\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u0026ndash;\\u003cspan citationid=\\\"CR25\\\" class=\\\"CitationRef\\\"\\u003e25\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/sup\\u003e. This enables them with better load-bearing capabilities.\\u003c/p\\u003e\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e\"},{\"header\":\"4. Conclusion\",\"content\":\"\\u003cp\\u003eThis study successfully demonstrated the design, fabrication, and testing of a centrifugal spinning device capable of producing both polymer fibers and yarns. Our results indicate that this device has the potential to create polymer fibers and yarns similar to those produced by electrospinning. By incorporating a custom-designed spinneret, a brushless DC motor, and a yarn collection system, the device can continuously extrude fibers and form yarn without the need for a high-voltage source or a compressed gas system. Our results show that the size of the fibers can be easily controlled by varying the parameters used during the centrifugal force spinning. Our future studies will focus on optimizing the air flow, collection timing and distance of the yarn collector from the spinneret to eliminate any presence of beads and promote complete solvent evaporation. These results highlight the potential of using centrifugal force spinning as a scalable, portable, and cost-effective alternative to traditional fiber production methods.\\u003c/p\\u003e\"},{\"header\":\"Declarations\",\"content\":\"\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eAcknowledgements\\u0026nbsp;\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\u003cp\\u003eThe authors would like to acknowledge the contributions of Mr. Mark Gentile and Mr. Habib Rahman to assist with the 3D printing and assembly of the device.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eAuthor Contribution\\u0026nbsp;\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\u003cp\\u003eAyesh Silva: Conceptualization, Methodology, Writing \\u0026ndash; Original draft preparation. Sandaru Wijesuriya Kuranage: Methodology, Investigation. Avinash Baji: Supervision, Validation, Reviewing.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eFunding\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\u003cp\\u003eThis work is supported by La Trobe University Leadership RFA Grant and La Trobe University Theme Investment Schemes (ABC Scheme) Grant.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eData Availability\\u0026nbsp;\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\u003cp\\u003eAll data generated or analyzed during this study are included in the published article.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\u003cp\\u003e\\u003cstrong\\u003eConflict of interest\\u003c/strong\\u003e\\u0026nbsp;\\u003c/p\\u003e\\n\\u003cp\\u003eWe declare that we have no conflict of interest.\\u0026nbsp;\\u003c/p\\u003e\"},{\"header\":\"References\",\"content\":\"\\u003col\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eHu SM, Wang L, Yuan ZX, Chen K, Peng W, Yin H, Shi ZJ, Yang G (2025) Polymer-based smart fibers and textiles for wearable electronics. Sci China-Technological Sci 68(1):1110201\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eHufenus R, Yan YR, Dauner M, Kikutani T (2020) Melt-Spun Fibers for Textile Applications. Materials 13(19):4298\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eLuzio A, Canesi EV, Bertarelli C, Caironi M (2014) Electrospun Polymer Fibers for Electronic Applications. Materials 7(2):906\\u0026ndash;947\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eRajak DK, Pagar DD, Menezes PL, Linul E (2019) Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites: Manufacturing, Properties, and Applications. Polymers 11(10):1667\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eWang L, Zhang FH, Liu YJ, Leng JS (2022) Shape Memory Polymer Fibers: Materials, Structures, and Applications. Adv Fiber Mater 4(1):5\\u0026ndash;23\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003ePereao OK, Bode-Aluko C, Ndayambaje G, Fatoba O, Petrik LF (2017) Electrospinning: Polymer Nanofibre Adsorbent Applications for Metal Ion Removal. J Polym Environ 25(4):1175\\u0026ndash;1189\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eSchiller T, Scheibel T (2024) Bioinspired and biomimetic protein-based fibers and their applications. Commun Mater 5(1):56\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eBaji A, Mai YW, Li Q, Liu Y (2011) Electrospinning induced ferroelectricity in poly(vinylidene fluoride) fibers. Nanoscale 3(8):3068\\u0026ndash;3071\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eBaji A, Truong VK, Gangadoo S, Yin H, Chapman J, Abtahi M, Oopath SV (2021) Durable Antibacterial and Antifungal Hierarchical Silver-Embedded Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) Fabricated Using Electrospinning. Acs Appl Polym Mater 3(8):4256\\u0026ndash;4263\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eThakur N, Baji A, Ranganath AS (2018) Thermoresponsive electrospun fibers for water harvesting applications. Appl Surf Sci 433:1018\\u0026ndash;1024\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eLu G, Tian T, Wang YT (2024) Advanced Electrospinning Technology Applied to Polymer-Based Sensors in Energy and Environmental Applications. Polymers 16(6):839\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eLi H, Huang H, Meng XH, Zeng YC (2018) Fabrication of helical microfibers from melt blown polymer blends. J Polym Sci Part B-Polymer Phys 56(13):970\\u0026ndash;977\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eDeravi LF, Sinatra NR, Chantre CO, Nesmith AP, Yuan H, Deravi SK, Goss JA, MacQueen LA, Badrossamy MR, Gonzalez GM, Phillips MD, Parker KK (2017) Design and Fabrication of Fibrous Nanomaterials Using Pull Spinning. Macromol Mater Eng 302(3):1600404\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eLuan JF, Wang S, Hu ZT, Zhang LY (2012) Synthesis Techniques, Properties and Applications of Polymer Nanocomposites. Curr Org Synth 9(1):114\\u0026ndash;136\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eTuncel D, Matthews JR, Anderson HL (2004) Synthesis of nanowalled polymer microtubes using glass fiber templates. Adv Funct Mater 14(9):851\\u0026ndash;855\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eAyati SS, Karevan M, Stefanek E, Bhia M, Akbari M (2022) Nanofibers Fabrication by Blown-Centrifugal Spinning. Macromol Mater Eng 307(2):2100368\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eHammami MA, Krifa M, Harzallah O (2014) Centrifugal force spinning of PA6 nanofibers - processability and morphology of solution-spun fibers. J Text Inst 105(6):637\\u0026ndash;647\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eMart\\u0026iacute;n-Alonso MD, Salaris V, Leon\\u0026eacute;s A, Hevilla V, Mu\\u0026ntilde;oz-Bonilla A, Echeverr\\u0026iacute;a C, Fern\\u0026aacute;ndez-Garc\\u0026iacute;a M, Peponi L, L\\u0026oacute;pez D (2023) Centrifugal Force-Spinning to Obtain Multifunctional Fibers of PLA Reinforced with Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles. Polymers 15(5):1240\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eZander NE (2015) Formation of Melt and Solution Spun Polycaprolactone Fibers by Centrifugal Spinning. J Appl Polym Sci 132(2):41269\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eZhang XW, Lu Y, Spinning C (2014) An Alternative Approach to Fabricate Nanofibers at High Speed and Low Cost. Polym Rev 54(4):677\\u0026ndash;701\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eBaji A, Mai YW, Wong SC, Abtahi M, Chen P (2010) Electrospinning of polymer nanofibers: Effects on oriented morphology, structures and tensile properties. Compos Sci Technol 70(5):703\\u0026ndash;718\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eWong SC, Baji A, Leng SW (2008) Effect of fiber diameter on tensile properties of electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone). Polymer 49(21):4713\\u0026ndash;4722\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eChew SY, Hufnagel TC, Lim CT, Leong KW (2006) Mechanical properties of single electrospun drug-encapsulated nanofibres. Nanotechnology 17(15):3880\\u0026ndash;3891\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eLim CT, Tan EPS, Ng SY (2008) Effects of crystalline morphology on the tensile properties of electrospun polymer nanofibers. Appl Phys Lett 92(14):141908\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003cli\\u003e\\u003cspan\\u003eZussman E, Burman M, Yarin AL, Khalfin R, Cohen Y (2006) Tensile deformation of electrospun nylon-6,6 nanofibers. J Polym Sci Part B-Polymer Phys 44(10):1482\\u0026ndash;1489\\u003c/span\\u003e\\u003c/li\\u003e\\u003c/ol\\u003e\"}],\"fulltextSource\":\"\",\"fullText\":\"\",\"funders\":[],\"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow\":false,\"hasManuscriptDocX\":true,\"hasOptedInToPreprint\":true,\"hasPassedJournalQc\":\"\",\"hasAnyPriority\":false,\"hideJournal\":false,\"highlight\":\"\",\"institution\":\"\",\"isAcceptedByJournal\":true,\"isAuthorSuppliedPdf\":false,\"isDeskRejected\":\"\",\"isHiddenFromSearch\":false,\"isInQc\":false,\"isInWorkflow\":true,\"isPdf\":false,\"isPdfUpToDate\":true,\"isWithdrawnOrRetracted\":false,\"journal\":{\"display\":true,\"email\":\"info@researchsquare.com\",\"identity\":\"journal-of-polymer-research\",\"isNatureJournal\":false,\"hasQc\":true,\"allowDirectSubmit\":false,\"externalIdentity\":\"jpol\",\"sideBox\":\"Learn more about [Journal of Polymer Research](https://www.springer.com/journal/10965)\",\"snPcode\":\"10965\",\"submissionUrl\":\"https://www.editorialmanager.com/jpol/\",\"title\":\"Journal of Polymer Research\",\"twitterHandle\":\"\",\"acdcEnabled\":true,\"dfaEnabled\":true,\"editorialSystem\":\"em\",\"reportingPortfolio\":\"Springer Hybrid\",\"inReviewEnabled\":true,\"inReviewRevisionsEnabled\":false},\"keywords\":\"Fibers, nanofibers, air filtration, centrifugal force spinning, polymer\",\"lastPublishedDoi\":\"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7154039/v1\",\"lastPublishedDoiUrl\":\"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7154039/v1\",\"license\":{\"name\":\"CC BY 4.0\",\"url\":\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/\"},\"manuscriptAbstract\":\"\\u003cp\\u003ePolymer fibers and yarns are widely used in applications such as textiles, tissue engineering, composites, air and water filtration. Conventional techniques used for fiber production, such as electrospinning, are limited by the requirement for a high-voltage source and low scalability. This study aimed to design a portable centrifugal force spinning device that can not only produce polymer fibers but also have the flexibility to produce polymer yarns. The device was first designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software and then fabricated using additive manufacturing techniques. Once assembled, the device was used to produce polymer fibers and yarns using poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) and poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) solutions. The study demonstrated that the size of the fibers can be controlled by varying the concentration of the polymer within the solution. The fibers obtained had smooth morphology and were found to have diameters ranging from 0.3 to 2.3 \\u0026micro;m. Yarns were collected using a cone collector and a mechanical roller system. The mechanical properties of the collected yarns were also investigated. The results demonstrated that the yarns made from fibers with an average diameter of 0.3 \\u0026micro;m exhibited 3 MPa as the modulus, while those produced from fibers with an average diameter of 1.7 \\u0026micro;m displayed 1 MPa as the modulus.\\u003c/p\\u003e\",\"manuscriptTitle\":\"Centrifugal Force Spinning for Producing Polymer Fibers and Polymer Yarns\",\"msid\":\"\",\"msnumber\":\"\",\"nonDraftVersions\":[{\"code\":1,\"date\":\"2025-08-27 15:32:33\",\"doi\":\"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7154039/v1\",\"editorialEvents\":[{\"type\":\"communityComments\",\"content\":0},{\"type\":\"reviewerAgreed\",\"content\":\"\",\"date\":\"2025-09-07T13:40:10+00:00\",\"index\":0,\"fulltext\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"reviewersInvited\",\"content\":\"\",\"date\":\"2025-08-19T09:40:56+00:00\",\"index\":\"\",\"fulltext\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"editorInvited\",\"content\":\"Journal of Polymer Research\",\"date\":\"2025-08-16T21:42:01+00:00\",\"index\":\"\",\"fulltext\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"editorAssigned\",\"content\":\"\",\"date\":\"2025-07-23T07:59:14+00:00\",\"index\":\"\",\"fulltext\":\"\"},{\"type\":\"submitted\",\"content\":\"Journal of Polymer Research\",\"date\":\"2025-07-22T21:12:55+00:00\",\"index\":\"\",\"fulltext\":\"\"}],\"status\":\"published\",\"journal\":{\"display\":true,\"email\":\"info@researchsquare.com\",\"identity\":\"journal-of-polymer-research\",\"isNatureJournal\":false,\"hasQc\":true,\"allowDirectSubmit\":false,\"externalIdentity\":\"jpol\",\"sideBox\":\"Learn more about [Journal of Polymer Research](https://www.springer.com/journal/10965)\",\"snPcode\":\"10965\",\"submissionUrl\":\"https://www.editorialmanager.com/jpol/\",\"title\":\"Journal of Polymer Research\",\"twitterHandle\":\"\",\"acdcEnabled\":true,\"dfaEnabled\":true,\"editorialSystem\":\"em\",\"reportingPortfolio\":\"Springer Hybrid\",\"inReviewEnabled\":true,\"inReviewRevisionsEnabled\":false}}],\"origin\":\"\",\"ownerIdentity\":\"1a7bea4b-c1b8-49b9-bc0c-59baa7a5b0e6\",\"owner\":[],\"postedDate\":\"August 27th, 2025\",\"published\":true,\"recentEditorialEvents\":[],\"rejectedJournal\":[],\"revision\":\"\",\"amendment\":\"\",\"status\":\"published-in-journal\",\"subjectAreas\":[],\"tags\":[],\"updatedAt\":\"2025-12-01T15:59:04+00:00\",\"versionOfRecord\":{\"articleIdentity\":\"rs-7154039\",\"link\":\"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-025-04685-6\",\"journal\":{\"identity\":\"journal-of-polymer-research\",\"isVorOnly\":false,\"title\":\"Journal of Polymer Research\"},\"publishedOn\":\"2025-11-25 15:56:52\",\"publishedOnDateReadable\":\"November 25th, 2025\"},\"versionCreatedAt\":\"2025-08-27 15:32:33\",\"video\":\"\",\"vorDoi\":\"10.1007/s10965-025-04685-6\",\"vorDoiUrl\":\"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-025-04685-6\",\"workflowStages\":[]},\"version\":\"v1\",\"identity\":\"rs-7154039\",\"journalConfig\":\"researchsquare\"},\"__N_SSP\":true},\"page\":\"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]\",\"query\":{\"redirect\":\"/article/rs-7154039\",\"identity\":\"rs-7154039\",\"version\":[\"v1\"]},\"buildId\":\"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7\",\"isFallback\":false,\"isExperimentalCompile\":false,\"dynamicIds\":[84888],\"gssp\":true,\"scriptLoader\":[]}","source_license":"CC-BY-4.0","license_restricted":false}