Filter for Airborne Pathogens and Toxic Liquids

Recent terrorist activities have left virtually no question that futureprotection systems for warriors will need to address chemical-biologicalfiltration. Although filters are presently available for CB threat, thereremains a need for regenerating, signature-less filters that can trapnanoparticulates and biological pollutants. In this context, under Phase IeSpin proposes to provide a feasibility demonstration ofself-regenerating polymer and carbon nanofiber based composite filter. Thefiltration of fine aerosols is benefited by small diameter and high surfacearea material. The application of nanofibers is well suited to addressingthe problems of trapping and neutralizing pollutants.Electrospun nanofibers will be produced and the architecture will be tailoredto achieve the desired filter performance and gas adsorption by varying fiberdiameter and fiber packing fraction within the matrix, as well as activationlevel for optimum performance. The nanofiber surface modification will betailored to generate singlet oxygen to regenerate filter. Carbon nanofibers willabsorb chemical pollutants, while nylon nanofibers are expected to hydrolizethe pollutantAt the end of the Phase I & II of the proposed effort, eSpin will havesuccessfully developed nanofiber based, robust, low cost air filters forfiltering CB compounds.The introduction of nanofibers to filtration presents new economic opportunities as well as the potential for raising the performance standards for the filtration industry. The potential commercial applications of the proposed research is in area of HVAC, clean rooms, large government buildings, aircraft, cruise ships, portableshelters, etc.