The Effect of Polymeric Surfactant on Adhesion and Uniformity of Ag-TiO₂ Coating on Air Filter with Self-Cleaning Capability

Abstract

This research is a continuing study on F9-filter development via Ag-TiO2 coating to promote volatile organic compounds (VOCs) removal and antibacterial activity. Problems of poor adhesion and uniform distribution of coating material on the filter surface were observed, so the addition of a polymeric surfactant (PS), which behaves as both a binder and a surfactant, was applied in this study in order to solve such problems. Dip coated F9-filter samples with a selection of Ag-TiO2 suspension were characterized and tested. Environmental scanning electron microscope was used to characterize uniform coating distribution on an air filter. Self-cleaning test was performed in accordance with ISO 27448. The results showed that Ag-TiO2 with PS dip coating on air filters provide good adhesion and high uniformity. It is also found that self-cleaning capability of Ag-TiO2 with PS coated filter is increasing with increasing of Ag-TiO2 and PS concentrations. Within a scope of this work, only visible light can drive Ag-TiO2 to undertake photocatalytic activity. Hence, improvement of Ag-TiO2 coating on F9- filter is confirmed when PS is applied.