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Published on: September 11, 2018
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Multi-layered micro/nanofibrous nonwovens for functional face mask filter
Yuanqiang Xu1, Xiaomin Zhang1, Defang Teng1
1College of Textiles, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620 China.
Nano Research
|May 17, 2022
Summary
New multi-layer nonwovens improve face mask performance by capturing particulate matter and inhibiting bacteria. These advanced materials offer high filtration efficiency and low air resistance, addressing limitations of current face mask filters.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Commercial face masks rely on electret meltblown nonwovens, which degrade over time due to charge dissipation, limiting mask longevity and safety.
- The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for effective and durable personal protective face masks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and develop advanced multi-layer nonwoven filter materials for face masks.
- To enhance filtration efficiency, reduce air resistance, and impart antibacterial properties to face mask filters.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of multi-layer nonwovens using meltblowing and electrospinning technologies.
- Incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for antibacterial functionality.
- Characterization of fiber morphology, pore size distribution, filtration efficiency, and pressure drop.
- Airflow field simulation to analyze pressure distribution during filtration.
Main Results:
- The designed nonwovens feature multilevel fiber diameters and pore sizes with porous, wrinkled micro/nanofibers for effective particulate matter capture.
- Achieved filtration efficiency of 99.1% for PM0.3 with a low pressure drop of 105 Pa at 10.67 cm/s.
- Demonstrated excellent antibacterial performance with a >99.99% inhibition rate against *Escherichia coli*.
Conclusions:
- The developed complex nonwovens offer a promising solution for face mask filters, overcoming the limitations of conventional materials.
- The combination of high filtration efficiency, low air resistance, and antibacterial properties makes these nonwovens suitable for advanced face mask applications.
