Composite micro/nano fibrous air filter by simultaneous melt and solution electrospinning

This article presents a novel approach towards tackling the balance between filter efficiency and pressure drop by layering micro and nano fibres using melt and solution electrospinning. Polyamide fibre mats were fabricated by a prototype fibre printing apparatus, based on a combination of melt and solution electrospinning. Fibrous mats with favorable filtration performance characteristics were developed by optimizing the process parameters. The measurements were performed at a face velocity of 5.3 cm/s. High filtration quality factors (such as 0.068?0.085 Pa-1 for PN1 fraction) were reached due to low values of pressure drop (15.92?50.17 Pa). The filtration efficiencies ranged from 93.7 (PN1) to 98.5% (PN10). Higher ratios of nano-sub micrometer (<1 ?m) to super micrometer (?1 ?m) fibres in the fibrous matrix were associated with the higher filtration quality factors.

Automated summary

Layering micro and nano fibers using melt and solution electrospinning offers a novel approach for achieving high filtration efficiency with low pressure drop. The optimized process parameters can lead to fibrous mats with favorable filtration characteristics. The presence of higher ratios of nano-sub micrometer to super micrometer fibers in the fibrous matrix is associated with higher filtration quality factors.