Performance Assessment of Meltblown TPU Nanofiber-Based Air Filtration Membranes

Authors : Ali Toptaş

Pages : 721-732

Doi:10.53501/rteufemud.1667529

View : 56 | Download : 105

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Air pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges, primarily driven by rapid industrialization and climate-related phenomena. Within this context, nanofiber-based filter materials offering high particle capture efficiency and low pressure drop (ΔP) play a crucial role in ensuring access to clean air. In this study, nanofibrous filter surfaces based on thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) were fabricated via the melt-blowing (MB) technique a solvent-free and high-throughput production method. The experimental design was structured using a Taguchi L9 orthogonal array, considering three processing parameters at three levels each: feeding rate (1, 5, and 10 rpm), die (nozzle) temperature (220, 240, and 260 °C), and air pressure (1, 2, and 3 bar). The morphological characteristics of the produced nanofibers were examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Their AFDs, filtration efficiencies, pressure drops (ΔP), air permeabilities, and quality factors (QFs) were systematically compared. The sample produced under the optimal conditions -1 rpm feeding rate, 260 °C die temperature, and 3 bar air pressure- demonstrated the best performance, achieving a filtration efficiency of 82.12% and a ΔP of 95 Pa, with an average fiber diameter (AFD) of 423 ± 47 nm. Moreover, this optimal sample was subjected to mechanical strain levels of 5%, 10%, and 20%, and successfully preserved its functional integrity, maintaining a filtration efficiency of 71.44% even at 20% elongation. These findings highlight the potential of the melt-blown process as an environmentally friendly, rapid, scalable, and solvent-free method to produce high-performance TPU based nanofibrous air filters.
Keywords : Nanolif, Hava filtresi, TPU, Eriyikten üfleme

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL