Effects of surface morphology of electrospun polystyrene fiber on its air filtration performance

Abstract

A series of membranes, made from polystyrene microfibers and with different morphologies, were fabricated via electrospinning method in this study. In addition, not only porous fibers but also beaded fibers were obtained by adjusting the experimental temperature in a reasonable and appropriate way. Assisted by a high-speed camera, the images of jet behaviors at different experimental temperatures were captured for the purpose of in-depth and comprehensive understanding of formation mechanism of different fiber morphologies. Mono-disperse sodium chloride aerosol particles with different sizes and cigarette smoke were used, for the attainment of the objective of evaluation on the filtration performance of fabricated membranes. The experimental results showed that straight fiber with narrow pores on its surface can be obtained at 20°C spinning temperature because of the rapid jet motion and solvent evaporation, and also, beaded fibers can be fabricated in the situation of spinning temperature higher than 25°C due to the sudden change of surface tension resulted from the fast solvent evaporation. The porous straight fibers exhibited excellent filtration performance to cigarette smoke and aerosol containing particles of all sizes (99.76%, 99.92%, and 99.99% filtration efficiency for particles with sizes of 0.3 µm, 0.5 µm, and 1 µm, respectively).

Quick laboratory methodology for determining the particle filtration efficiency of face masks/respirators in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic

“…Different materials for developing the masks have been explored w.r.t. their performance [24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. In addition to capture efficiency and breathing resistance, prevention of leakage in respirators [31,32] and ascertaining the fit of the mask without or after any decontamination treatment [33,34] are important issues.…”

Submicronic Filtering Media Based on Electrospun Recycled PET Nanofibers: Development, Characterization, and Method to Manufacture Surgical Masks

“…The presence of these imperfections can directly affect filtration since it alters the morphology and homogeneity of the fibers. However, Zheng et al [ 41 ] reported an increase in the filtration efficiency in electrospun membranes having beads. This increase in performance was attributed to a reduced pore diameter and increased filter’s packing density caused by the beads.…”

The Effect of Orientation Degree of Electrospun Polystyrene Fiber on Filtration Performance of Fiber Membrane

“…10 The development of micro and nano technology has brought great prospects to the field of air filtration, and micro-nano fiber nonwovens exhibit the characteristics of high porosity, high specific surface area, high surface energy and activity, high fiber fineness, and homogeneity, which make them excellent air filter materials. [11][12][13][14][15][16] With the development of electrospinning technology, electrospun micronano fiber materials have been extensively used in the field of air filtration. Patanaik et al, 17 who prepared a three-layer composite fiber filter material with a middle layer of polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofiber and upper and lower layers of nonwoven fabrics, found that the filtration efficiency increases with the increase of the diameter of PEO nanofibers.…”