Multilevel‐layer‐structured polyamide 6/poly(trimethylene terephthalate) nanofibrous membranes for low‐pressure air filtration

Abstract

ABSTRACT Multilevel‐layer‐structured polyamide 6 (PA6) and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) nanofibrous membranes were fabricated by an electrospinning method. The morphology of the multileveled layers membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The tensile strength of the PA6–PTT membranes were controlled by the regulation of the layer structure. Additionally, the surface area of the multilevel‐layer‐structured membranes was also investigated with the nitrogen physisorption isotherms. Furthermore, the multilevel‐layered membranes, with a tensile strength of 9.8 MPa and a surface area of 5.1601 m 2 /g on 300‐nm dioctylphthalate (DOP) aerosol particles, showed a higher efficiency (95.825%) and a lower pressure drop (55 Pa) than the pure PA6 membranes (with values of 94.634% and 467 Pa, respectively). This suggested a new method for high‐efficiency and low‐pressure‐drop filtration applications. Correlations between the filtration pressure drop and filtration efficiency with the structure of the membranes, particle size, and surface velocity were proposed, and the advantage of the multilevel‐layered structure is also discussed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134 , 44716.