Design, manufacturing, and functionality assessment of an engineered nanocomposite filter with hydrophilic and microbial resistant properties using electrospinning method for air ventilation systems
Loading...
Date
2024-08
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of New Brunswick
Abstract
Air quality is a growing concern around the world due to the increased presence of pollution and microorganisms. Small particles, both organic and inorganic, suspended in the air have been linked to significant health problems such as respiratory and cardiovascular issues along with infections from bacteria and viruses. The most common way to improve air quality inside residential or industrial buildings is by using fibrous filter materials with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Hospitals require high efficiency filters to reduce air transmission of microorganisms to ensure a safe environment for recovering patients. Commercial fibrous filters can obtain high filtration efficiencies however, bacteria and viruses still pose a risk if they survive on the fibers for extended periods of time. The present study focuses on the development and investigation of a nanofiber nanocomposite filter with hydrophilic and microbial resistant properties for the potential use in the medical sector.
The filter was developed based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), with the incorporation of graphene oxide (GO), and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) as nanofiller reinforcements. Electrospun nanofibers with diameters less than 350 nm were successfully deposited as both a standalone membrane and nanofiber coating. The nanocomposite nanofibers were characterized by experimental and analytical methods and the electrospinning parameters were investigated utilizing modelling techniques. The techniques employed gave insight into the tensile, viscoelastic, hydrophilic, antibacterial, and filtration properties of the nanocomposite and how the properties were affected by the nanofillers and process parameters.
The results indicated that at a loading of 3 wt.% of GO, CNC, and a combined GO/CNC the tensile properties remained unaffected. It was observed that the base TPU nanofibers showed good bacterial resistance against E. coli. The nanomaterials were able to delay the glass transition temperature and made the filter more hydrophilic. With regards to the filtration capabilities the presence of CNC increased the filtration efficiency from 84.24% to 91.83% while GO did not affect the filter properties on its own.
Overall, the presented work provided valuable insight into the interactions of GO and CNC in a three-constituent nanocomposite produced via electrospinning and its feasibility towards antibacterial/industrial air filtration.