Centrifugal Multispun Nanofibers Put an Effective New Spin on COVID-19 Masks.
KAIST researchers have developed a new type of nanofiber production technology called "centrifugal multi-spinning", which will open the door to the safe and efficient mass production of high-performance polymer nanofibers. This new technology has an hourly nanofiber productivity 300 times higher than traditional electrospinning methods and has many potential applications, including the development of mask filters to protect the coronavirus.
Nanofibers make good mask filters because their mechanical interaction with aerosol particles gives them a greater ability to capture more than 90% of harmful particles, such as fine dust and virus-containing droplets.
In recent years, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the demand for better face masks. As the pandemic continues, there are also higher requirements for polymer nanofiber mask filters, which can block harmful particles more effectively.
In response to this shortcoming, it was proposed that "centrifugal spinning", which uses centrifugal force instead of high pressure to produce polymer nanofibers, is a safer and more cost-effective option than electrospinning. Ease of expansion is another advantage, as the technology only requires rotating spinnerets and collectors.
However, because the existing spinning technology based on centrifugal force only uses a single rotating spinneret, the productivity is limited, and it is compatible with some advanced electrostatic spinning technologies such as "multi-nozzle electrostatic spinning" and "no-nozzle electrostatic spinning". In comparison, the productivity is not much higher. When the size of the spinneret increases.
No comments