Comparison of Filtration Performance Between Neat and Plasma-Treated Pan / Mgo Nanofibers in the Removal of 10 to 1000 Nm Particles



Golbabaei F¹ ; Mohraz MH² ; Yarahmadi R³ ; Sadighzadeh A⁴ ; Mohammadi H¹ ; Dehghan SF⁵ Show Affiliations
Source: Iran Occupational Health Published:2021

Abstract

Background and aims: The present study aims to compare the filtration performance of the neat hybrid electrospun nanofibers, consisting of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymer and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles and the plasma treated ones in removing fine particles from the air stream. Methods: The upper surface of the nanofibers, were processed by cold-plasma with a radio frequency power supply (13.56 MHz with a power of 20 watts), argon gas and operating pressure of 0.2 torr. Initial efficiency tests for numerical removal of particles have been done in accordance with standards ISO 29463 and EN 779. Pressure drop and quality factors were determined for the fabricated media. In order to confirm the presence of magnesium oxide nanoparticles in the nanofibers, X-Ray Diffraction pattern (XRD) was prepared. Analysis algorithms of SEM images, were used to calculate the porosity of filters, using the MATLAB software. Results: The mean initial efficiency of the neat and plasma-treated media was, 90.77 ± 6.7 % and 73.66 ± 8.86 % for collecting particles from 10 to 1000 nm, respectively. The initial mean pressure drop of the neat and treated media at the test face velocity was, 78.22 ± 3.11 pa and 22.00 ± 2.33 pa, respectively, and their mean quality factor for collecting 10 to 1000 nm particles was, 0.029 and 0.010 (Pascal/1), respectively. Conclusion: By performing plasma treatment, collection efficiency of particles decreased, but with a significant decrease in pressure drop, the neat media ultimately presented a higher score of quality factor in comparison with the treated ones. © 2021 Iran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.