Nanofiber-based Paint Overspray air filters for hexavalent chromium

This SBIR Phase I proposal will design and develop high performance, energy efficient ion-exchange nanofiber-based paint overspray pocket air filter to capture hexavalent chromate particulate matter and paint shop dust created during sanding, grinding, and aircraft prep operation present in air. ion exchanging polymer will be electrospun to produce high surface area nanofiber and combined with layers of dust loading filtermedia. The performance of media will be tailored by ion exchange chemistry and controlling fiber diameter, porosity of the media, pore size, and and loading. The filtermedia will be characterized for its filtration performance, resistance to airflow, chromate holding capacity, and ion exchange capacity. The filter media will be used to assemble prototype high surface area 8 pocket air filter and tested per EPA Method 319 in house. The filter will be tested for its chromate paint overspray particle filtration and dust holding capacity using wind tunnel. Filtration performance, airflow resistance, dust loading, and energy use will allow us to determine life cycle cost of innovative filters in laboratory environment.