Preparation and Characterization of Biodegradable Polymer Nanofiber Composites for Dust Filters

ABSTRACT A biodegradable nanofiber composite was prepared using electrospinning, employing a blend of soy protein isolate (SPI) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The present study aims to improve the biodegradability of nanofiber materials for aerosol filters. The morphological and physicochemical properties of the electrospun fibers were characterized using SEM–EDX, FTIR, and TGA. Biodegradability was assessed through weight loss measurements in an enzyme solution. The optimal electrospinning conditions were achieved with an SPI/PVA mass ratio of 1.5 at 50°C, and the ratio was further increased to 4 by incorporating xylose. The fibers average diameter ranged from 165 nm to 235 nm. FTIR analysis identified absorption bands corresponding to PVA and SPI, while thermal analysis revealed that the SPI/PVA composites possessed a decomposition temperature between 192°C and 220°C, exceeding that of pure PVA. The addition of SPI substantially enhanced the biodegradability of the composite, which is critical in reducing plastic waste. Filtration performance was evaluated using standard potassium chloride particles (0.3 μm), achieving a maximum efficiency of 99.9%. This study provides essential insights into the development of biodegradable fibers, addressing environmental concerns related to plastic pollution and also contributing valuable data to ongoing efforts in the advancement of eco‐friendly filtration technologies.