Performance evaluation of electrospun nanofibrous membrane

Abstract

This paper reports the development of electrospun nanofibrous membranes for air filtration application. Different types of polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibrous membranes were prepared by varying the solution parameter, then depositing it over a nonwoven substrate. Composite filter media were developed by sandwiching the previous media with another nonwoven. The structural and physical characteristics of the membranes and media were measured and correlated with the performance characteristics. The changes in membranes and media properties after prolonged exposure to working condition under cyclic compression play an important role in their long term performance characteristics. It was evaluated in terms of changes in pore characteristics and filtration parameters and compared with the values before cyclic compression. With increasing solution concentration, nanofiber diameter increases and nanofibers are more uniform. Increased filtration efficiency and decreased pressure drop were observed with increasing nanofiber diameter. Increase in pore sizes after cyclic compression was observed for the membranes deposited over nonwoven, whereas no such changes were observed for the composite media. Decreased filtration efficiency and increased pressure drop were observed after cyclic compression for the membranes deposited over nonwoven, whereas changes were not significant in composite media. Composite media shows good performance for long term application.