Filtration performance of cigarette filter tip containing electrospun nanofibrous filter

Abstract

Nanofibrous filters made of electrospun nanofibers are used in different types of filtration. In this study, nanofibrous filters comprising of electrospun filter media between two nonwoven layers were placed in cigarette filter tip and the performance of the new filter was assessed. Electrospinning conditions were varied to achieve ultrafine cellulose acetate nanofibers for this purpose. Nanofibers of different diameters and different layer thickness (based on unit area weight) were used. Tar removal efficiency increased by increasing the unit area weight of filter media. Nanofibrous filter containing nanofibers with a mean diameter of 280 nm increased efficiency from 47.7 to 71.6% for filter tip and efficiency sharply decreased by increasing the diameter of nanofibers. Double layer electrospun filter media showed higher efficiency and lower pressure drop than those of single one with the same unit area weight. Tar removal efficiency increased significantly by using nanofibrous filters, whereas the pressure drop was not affected severely. On the other hand, tar/nicotine ratio reduced.