Development of an Air Filter to Remove Fine Dust from Indoor Air Using a Traditional Korean Paper, ‘Hanji’

Abstract

Fine and ultrafine particulate matter are consequences of air pollution in industrialized nations. The use of natural materials for filters produces fewer side effects for humans and the environment, and due to their structural characteristics, they have the potential to effectively filter out fine particles. In this study, we developed an indoor, fine-dust removal filter using Hanji, a traditional Korean paper made from natural materials derived from mulberry trees. We impregnated activated carbon (AC) into the Hanji filter and conducted air permeability and efficiency experiments to determine the improvement in indoor air quality. The Hanji filter showed a removal efficiency of 80.4% within the first minute and 99.1% efficiency by the 38th minute, maintaining an efficiency of >99% thereafter. The dust removal efficiency of the AC-embedded Hanji filter proved superior. The dust adhesion was ~20 g/m2. An AC-embedded Hanji filter has the potential to remove not only fine dust but also volatile substances. The use of natural filters is both effective and sustainable.