Study of the Filtration Performance of Multilayer and Multiscale Fibrous Structures.

Vânia Pais,Carlos Mota,José Guilherme Dias,Raul Fangueiro,Fernando Cunha,João Bessa

doi:10.3390/ma14237147

Abstract

As the incidence of small-diameter particles in the air has increased in recent decades, the development of efficient filtration systems is both urgent and necessary. Nanotechnology, more precisely, electrospun nanofibres, has been identified as a potential solution for this issue, since it allows for the production of membranes with high rates of fibres per unit area, increasing the probability of nanoparticle collision and consequent retention. In the present study, the electrospinning technique of polyamide nanofibre production was optimized with the variation of parameters such as polymer concentration, flow rate and needle diameter. The optimized polyamide nanofibres were combined with polypropylene and polyester microfibres to construct a multilayer and multiscale system with an increased filtration efficiency. We observed that the penetration value of the multilayer system with a PA membrane in the composition, produced for 20 min in the electrospinning, is 2.7 times smaller than the penetration value of the system with the absence of micro and nano fibers.

Highlights

Multilayer systems composed of PA nanofibres at the filtration layer were produced
It was concluded that lower flow rates, combined with smaller needle diameters, enhance the production of nanofibres with smaller diameters
In the second section of the study, different multilayer systems, with PA nanofibres located at the filtration layer, were studied

Summary

Introduction

Particles with diameters smaller than 2.5 μm may cause considerable damage due to their ability to penetrate the human bronchi, lungs and even the extrapulmonary organs. These particles can be linked to bacteria or viruses and cause serious human health problems due to the development of acute and chronic diseases [2,3]. Developing a solution to this problem is extremely important, and certain approaches such as filtration membranes have been identified as useful. These filter membranes can be applied in various products, such as face masks and NBC suits (protection against nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare agents) [4]

Methods

Results

Conclusion