DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/GMZ7-WK54
Defense Date
2009
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Mechanical Engineering
First Advisor
Gary Tepper
Abstract
In this thesis the production and filtration performance of electrospun nylon-4,6 nanofiber mats was experimentally studied. The average fiber diameter of nylon-4,6 fibers is controlled by altering the polymer concentration in solution. Adding small amount of pyridine to the electrospinning solution controlled fiber beading and other defects. These fibers were then deposited onto a wide variety of conductive and dielectric substrate materials. A corona ion source was used to eliminate surface charging effects observed at the surface of all substrates. The resulting fiber mats, uniform in size and distribution as verified by SEM imaging, are tested for filtration efficiency and pressure drop. A Figure of Merit (FOM) is calculated for each filter produced and compared to high-grade commercial filters.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
August 2009