Antimicrobial Nanofiber Based Filters for High Filtration Efficiency Respirators

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Filtration Technology

Background:

• Electrospinning is a key technique for producing polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers for aerosol filtration.
• Developing effective filtration materials for respirators is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize PAN nanofiber-based filters for respirators by varying basis weight and structure.
• To investigate the impact of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on filter performance and add bactericidal properties.

Main Methods:

• PAN nanofibers were electrospun onto spunbond polypropylene (SPP) substrates with varied basis weights.
• Different configurations of SPP and PAN layers were tested to assess filtration efficiency and breathing resistance.
• ZnO nanoparticles were incorporated into PAN nanofibers to create nanocomposites.

Main Results:

• A basis weight exceeding 0.4 g/m² of PAN nanofibers achieved over 97% filtration efficiency.
• Breathing resistance increased proportionally with PAN basis weight.
• A symmetric SPP/PAN/PAN/SPP structure offered optimal performance, reducing material use and breathing resistance.
• ZnO-containing nanocomposites maintained high filtration while adding bactericidal capacity.

Conclusions:

• Symmetric splitting of PAN nanofiber layers presents a more efficient configuration for respirator filter design.
• Optimized structures can maintain high filtration efficiency (FFP2-type) while lowering breathing resistance.
• Incorporating ZnO nanoparticles enhances filter functionality with antimicrobial properties.