Nonwoven Polypropylene Coated Poly(caprolactone) and Poly(1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) Electrospun Membranes for Improved Filtration Performance

Air pollution can expose the population to severe respiratory problems. Fibrous filters, such as those obtained by electrospinning nanofibers, have the potential to improve the filtration performance of standard filters. The aim of this work was to produce and evaluate the electrospinning of poly(caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (P(VP-co-VAc)) on a nonwoven polypropylene (PP) substrate. The insertion of Methylene Blue (MB) is supported for photodynamic effects. P(VP-co-VAc) and PCL were electrospun on the substrate at fixed times. Filtration performance was determined by measuring pressure drop and aerosol particle and collection efficiency. The photosensitive activity was evaluated by the indirect uric acid decay method. P(VP-co-VAc) did not maintain the fiber structure and formed nanoprotrusion filters. PCL should have its electrospinning parameters improved. MB provided the fiber with photosensitive characteristics for up to 60 min. With improvements in electrospinning parameters and together with MB, the filters have great potential for use in mask coatings.