Electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride containing nanoscale graphite platelets as electret membrane and its application in air filtration under extreme environment. (22nd November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Zhao-Xia; Liu, Xiaoxiao; Zhang, Xu; Wong, Shing-Chung; Chase, George G.; Qu, Jin-Ping; Baji, Avinash
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 131(2017)
• Page Start: 143
• Page End: 150
• Publication Date: 2017-11-22
• Subjects: Electret -- Electrospinning -- Air filtration; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2017.10.033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, we used electrospinning to fabricate electret polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes that show tremendous potential for its use as a high-performance air filter medium. A novel charge storage enhancer by means of nanoscale graphite platelets (NGP) dispersed within the fibrous matrix and the filtration performance were investigated. The surface potential of as-spun membrane was characterized to demonstrate the role played by NGP in imparting high electrostatic force. Air filtration tests were performed to evaluate the performance of our membranes under a high face velocity (1.26 m/s). The composite membrane demonstrated a high filtration efficiency of 98.989% with low pressure drop as 1279 Pa and 3.591 kPa −1 quality index. A critical loading of NGP within the fibers is determined that is required to improve both filtration efficiency and pressure drop. Similar loading of NGP within the fibers is also required to improve the surface potential of the composite membranes. Graphical abstract: Highlights: A novel charge storage enhancer by means of nanoscale graphite platelets (NGP) was discovered.. Filtration performance outperformed the current state of practice in electrospun membranes. Surface potential of membranes was improved significantly by inclusions of NGP. Membranes showed enhanced filtration performance under extreme environment.