Preparation and Characterization of magnetic PLA/Fe₃O₄-g-PLLA composite melt blown nonwoven fabric for air filtration

Abstract

A kind of magnetic poly (lactic acid) (PLA) melt blown nonwoven fabric (MB) was fabricated by the introduction of ferroferric oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles to improve its air filtration performances. In view of the poor compatibility of two components, the poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA) molecular chains was firstly grafted onto the Fe3O4 nanoparticles surface via the ring opening polymerization (ROP). Then, PLA/Fe3O4-g-PLLA composite masterbatches with different mass ratios were prepared by melt-blending method and processed into the corresponding composite MB. The structures and performances of PLA/Fe3O4-g-PLLA composite masterbatches and their MB were investigated. The results showed that the addition of Fe3O4-g-PLLA nanohybrids hardly influenced the glass transition, cold crystallization and melting behaviors of the composite masterbatches. Though the melt fluidity of the composite masterbatches reduced with the Fe3O4-g-PLLA content increasing, the composite masterbatches still could present the appropriate processability in the range of 210°C to 230°C. Fe3O4-g-PLLA could be uniformly dispersed in PLA matrix and had a good interfacial compatibility with the matrix. Compared with pure PLA MB, the fiber surface of the composite MB became slightly rough, the pore size and distribution of the fiber web increased. The addition of Fe3O4-g-PLLA endowed PLA MB with magnetism. With the increasing of Fe3O4-g-PLLA content, the air permeability of the composite MB was improved and their filtration resistance obviously reduced. When the content of Fe3O4-g-PLLA was 0.5 wt%, the filtration efficiency of the composite MB reached the maximum. Moreover, the composite MB have higher longitudinal tensile strength and elongation at break than those of pure PLA MB.

Tailoring the Microstructure of Biodegradable PLA/PBS Melt-Blown Nonwovens with Enhanced Mechanical Performance by In Situ PBS Fibrils Formation

“…Simultaneous improvement in the stiffness and strain was thus achieved. Compared to recently reported studies on the mechanical performance of PLA melt-blown nonwovens, ,,,,,− the tensile stress in this work exhibited a higher value. Besides, the introduction of the in situ fibrous structure did not destroy the wearing comfort of the nonwovens.…”

“…For instance, the yield stress and elongation at break of the MBAS10 nonwovens were 1.64 and 6.72 times higher than those of pure PLA nonwovens, respectively. In addition, compared to recently reported studies on the mechanical performance of PLA melt-blown nonwovens, ,,,,,− the tensile stress in this work exhibited a higher value (Figure b). The improved mechanical property may stem from changes in the microstructure of the melt-blown fibers.…”

“…Several strategies have been adopted to improve the mechanical properties, such as postprocessing, , the inclusion of nanoparticles, − and blending with other ductile polymers, including nylon11 (PA11), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly­(D-lactic acid) (PDLA), etc. Among the above-mentioned methods, blending with other ductile polymers is regarded as a more efficient and practical way.…”

Regulation of polylactic acid using irradiation and preparation of PLA–SiO2–ZnO melt-blown nonwovens for antibacterial and air filtration

“…poor spinnability, which significantly affects the filtration performance and mechanical properties of MBs. 6 Meanwhile, due to the absence of stable and effective electrets, limited charge storage capacity directly impairs the filtration performance of PLA MBs. 7 Moreover, the masks currently available on the market essentially lack antibacterial and antiviral properties, they can only intercept bacteria or viruses.…”

Analysis of crystallization during polypropylene melt-blown fiber formation

“…1,2 The fine fibers are usually stacked on the moving collection screen, and then form nonwovens composed of many micro pores. The high porosity enables the melt-blown nonwovens to be widely used as medical materials, [3][4][5] filter materials, [6][7][8] oil absorption materials, [9][10][11] thermal materials, 12 battery separators, [13][14][15] and so on.…”