Electrospun PVA Nanofiber Filters for Tar Removal from Smoking Stream

Abstract

Tar in smoking stream is detrimental to human health and has also exerted pressure on environment. In this work, the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers were fabricated using an electrospinning technique and a filter based on the nanofiber film was designed and implemented to eliminate tar from smoke stream. The filtering efficiency was evaluated by the mass gain of film after absorbing the tar. The fiber diameter, thickness of films and the inhaling rate affecting the quantity of tar absorption and the saturation of tar in filter were also investigated. The possible alien substances to the polymer filters were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The work demonstrates a novel filter device to abate hazardous matters in cigarette both for human health and a clean environment.