Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposite Coated Antibacterial Filters for Air-Purification

Abstract

Air and environmental pollution require products used and produced in industrial areas to have natural ingredients and low energy consumption. It is impossible for standard used filters to clean bacteria in homes, workplaces and areas working with biological creatures. Therefore, the production of multifunctional composite and hybrid filter papers is necessary. In the study, filter papers coated with nanocomposite solutions prepared from green synthesized nanosilver (AgNPs) with plant extracts and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analyses showed that silver nanoparticles and PVA homogeneously coat the filter paper fibers, thereby reducing the average pore diameters by only 3% compared to commercial standards of filter paper. Using nanosilver, plant extracts, and PVA, a filter with 36% higher burst pressure resistance was produced. The antibacterial effect is provided to the filters with a high effect of up to 100,000 times, by coating them with nanosilver and plant extracts. This study enabled the production of antibacterial and high mechanical strength filter paper with natural ingredients, low energy and raw material consumption, and low cost. In this way, bacteria and pollutants in the air environment will be cleaned without harming the environment and also human health.