NANO FIBER FILTER TECHNOLOGY
Nano fiber technology is an advanced manufacturing process used to produce ultra-fine fibers with diameters typically ranging from 100 to 500 nanometers (nm). These fibers are much thinner than traditional fibers used in textiles, which have diameters ranging from a few microns to several millimeters.
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The nano fiber technology process involves the use of electrospinning or solution blowing to create a non-woven fabric made up of very small fibers. In electrospinning, a high-voltage electric field is used to create a charged jet of polymer solution, which is then spun onto a collector to form a web of ultra-fine fibers. In solution blowing, a high-velocity gas stream is used to break up a polymer solution or melt, which is then spun onto a collector to form a web of ultra-fine fibers.
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The technology of nano fiber involves several steps to produce non-woven fabrics made up of ultra-fine fibers. The following is an overview of the process:
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Polymer Selection: The first step is selecting the polymer material to be used. The most commonly used polymers are polyacrylonitrile, polyurethane, and polycarbonate.
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Solution Preparation: The selected polymer is dissolved in a solvent, typically a mixture of dimethylformamide (DMF) and acetone. Other solvents such as ethanol, water, or chloroform may be used depending on the polymer and application.
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Electrospinning or Solution Blowing: The polymer solution is then subjected to either electrospinning or solution blowing. In electrospinning, a high voltage electric field is used to create a charged jet of polymer solution, which is then spun onto a collector to form a web of ultra-fine fibers. In solution blowing, a high-velocity gas stream is used to break up the polymer solution or melt, which is then spun onto a collector to form a web of ultra-fine fibers.
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Collecting: The fibers are then collected onto a moving conveyor belt or drum, forming a web of randomly oriented, ultra-fine fibers.
Stabilizing: The fibers are then stabilized by heating them at a high temperature in the presence of an oxidizing agent, typically air, to remove any residual solvent and to ensure the fibers are stable and do not dissolve in water.
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Finishing: Finally, the fabric is finished by applying heat, pressure, or adhesives to further enhance its properties, such as its filtration efficiency or softness.
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The resulting non-woven fabric made up of nano fibers has a very high surface area and a dense network of small pores, making it ideal for filtration applications. It is also lightweight, durable, and flexible, making it suitable for a wide range of other applications, including medical textiles, personal protective equipment, and insulation.
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Nano fiber technology offers several advantages over traditional fiber manufacturing processes, including the ability to create fibers with extremely small diameters, which leads to a high filtration efficiency. The technology also offers the potential for creating composite materials with enhanced properties by incorporating nanoparticles or other materials into the polymer solution or melt.
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Overall, nano fiber technology represents a significant advancement in the production of non-woven fabrics, providing improved filtration efficiency and the potential for creating composite materials with enhanced properties. The technology is still being refined and improved to create even finer fibers and higher filtration efficiencies.
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