Journal article
Simple fabrication of an electrospun polystyrene microfiber filter that meets N95 filtering facepiece respirator filtration and breathability standards
Journal of applied polymer science, Vol.140(5), e53406
02/05/2023
DOI: 10.1002/app.53406
PMCID: PMC10078598
PMID: 37034442
Appears in UI Libraries Support Open Access
Abstract
During the global spread of COVID-19, high demand and limited availability of melt-blown filtration material led to a manufacturing backlog of N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs). This shortfall prompted the search for alternative filter materials that could be quickly mass produced while meeting N95 FFR filtration and breathability performance standards. Here, an unsupported, nonwoven layer of uncharged polystyrene (PS) microfibers was produced via electrospinning that achieves N95 performance standards based on physical parameters (e.g., filter thickness) alone. PS microfibers 3-6 mu m in diameter and deposited in an ~5mm thick filter layer are favorable for use in FFRs, achieving high filtration efficiencies (>= 97.5%) and low pressure drops (<= 15mm H2O). The PS microfiber filter demonstrates durability upon disinfection with hydroxyl radicals (center dot OH), maintaining high filtration efficiencies and low pressure drops over six rounds of disinfection. Additionally, the PS microfibers exhibit antibacterial activity (1-log removal of E. coli) and can be modified readily through integration of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) during electrospinning to enhance their activity (>= 3-log removal at 25wt% AgNP integration). Because of their tunable performance, potential reusability with disinfection, and antimicrobial properties, these electrospun PS microfibers may represent a suitable, alternative filter material for use in N95 FFRs.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Simple fabrication of an electrospun polystyrene microfiber filter that meets N95 filtering facepiece respirator filtration and breathability standards
- Creators
- Madeline G. Jensen - University of IowaPatrick T. O'Shaughnessy - University of IowaMarlee Shaffer - University of Notre DameSooyoun Yu - University of Notre DameYun Young Choi - University of Notre DameMegan Christiansen - University of IowaCharles O. Stanier - University of IowaMichael Hartley - University of Iowa Hospitals and ClinicsJoey Huddle - Nanofiber Solutions (United States)Jed Johnson - Nanofiber Solutions (United States)Kyle Bibby - University of Notre DameNosang V. Myung - University of Notre DameDavid M. Cwiertny - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of applied polymer science, Vol.140(5), e53406
- DOI
- 10.1002/app.53406
- PMID
- 37034442
- PMCID
- PMC10078598
- NLM abbreviation
- J Appl Polym Sci
- ISSN
- 0021-8995
- eISSN
- 1097-4628
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Number of pages
- 14
- Grant note
- NIEHS/NIH P30 ES005605 / National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences through the University of Iowa Environmental Health Sciences Research Center DGE-163309 / NSF National Research Traineeship grant 2030532; 2030571 / National Science Foundation; National Science Foundation (NSF)
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 11/21/2022
- Date published
- 02/05/2023
- Academic Unit
- Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination; Civil and Environmental Engineering; Occupational and Environmental Health; Iowa Technology Institute; Public Policy Center (Archive); Chemistry; Chemical and Biochemical Engineering
- Record Identifier
- 9984323231202771
Metrics
77 Record Views