Filtration Properties of Nonwoven Structures with Superabsorbents for Respiratory Protective Devices

Abstract

The paper presents a study of the protective and functional properties of nonwoven structures, such as penetration by solid and liquid aerosols, airflow resistance, and air moisture sorption capacity. Nonwovens were modified by the introduction of electrostatic charges in the structure of polymer fibers and by the addition of a superabsorbent polymeric (SAP) directly to the fiber-forming area in a melt-blown process. The resulting materials (outer nonwovens containing SAP of different grain sizes and filtering nonwovens with and without electrostatic charges) had varied morphological structures. The materials developed were characterised by high filtering efficiency at low airflow resistance and good moisture sorption ability. The study proved the possibility to apply nonwoven structures containing SAP in respiratory protective equipment used in harsh work environments at high temperature and relative humidity. The materials fabricated were found to improve hygienic comfort.