Polymeric hollow fibers containing magnetic nanoparticles fabricated using microfluidic devices

Background: Polymeric hollow fibers containing magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have potential for use as oxygen-selective gas separation membranes. Objective: To demonstrate the fabrication of MNP-containing polymeric hollow fibers using microfluidic devices and to evaluate the effects of process parameters on fiber geometry. Methods: A polymer solution containing MNPs and liquid paraffin were used as the shell and core fluids. Hollow fibers were formed via nonsolvent-induced phase separation (NIPS). Effects of core/shell flow-rate ratios were examined. Results: MNP-containing polymeric hollow fibers were successfully fabricated, and their inner diameter increased as the core/shell flow-rate ratio increased. Conclusions: The proposed method enables low-cost fabrication and structural control of MNP-containing polymeric hollow fibers.