1. Nanofiber Filter Technology Derek L. Balchuck MEEN 3344 Spring 2009

2. Likely Filter Materials Cellulose for the base material Alumina powder with glass fibers bonded at 100°C Polyvinyl-alcohol Polyvinylidene Chloride Polyvinylidene Fluoride Polyvinylidene Halide Melamine-formaldehyde as resin

3. The base material is made from a web of cellulose The cellulose web has the ability to retain a rigid shape The nanofibers are then applied by electrospinning the desired material to the cellulose layers. Resin is applied, most likely immediately before the nanofiber material leaves the pipette. Forming various layers of nanofibers, cellulose and other materials result in a stepped filtration device Note 1: the nanofibers are less than 200 nanometers in diameter Note 2: Even though the gap between the nanofibers is greater than the particle’s size, the filter can still filter out that particle Fabrication of Filters

4. Benefits High volume filtration efficiency in air or fluids The filter is not made of paper so when moisture is present, the filter does not absorb the condensation. Holds-up to sand and salt In a relatively dry atmosphere, the maximum operating temperature is 250 ºF.

5. Applications Military – sand, salt, water, high temperatures and radioactive materials (pre-filter for the HEPA filters) Marine and liquids – condensation in the air flow and ultra fine dust particles (for engines), filter out particulates in the water or other various liquids Industrial, Agricultural and Off-road vehicles – high volumes of sand, dirt, salt and high temperatures After treatment compatible – particulate filters found on post January 1, 2007 will plug-up when using a wet gauze filter, charged with oil (K&N)

6. Disadvantages The nanofiber material will tear easily. The nanofiber filters cost more than the typical paper filter, due to the additional manufacturing processes. Maximum temperature sustained with the humidity above 90% is only 100ºF.

7. Sources http://www.donaldson.com/en/filtermedia/support/datalibra ry/052023.pdfhttp://www.donaldson.com/en/filtermedia/support/datalibra ry/052023.pdf http://www.donaldson.com/en/filtermedia/support/datalibra ry/052025.pdfhttp://www.donaldson.com/en/filtermedia/support/datalibra ry/052025.pdf http://www.google.com/patents?id=D0ESAAAAEBAJ&pg= PA6&dq=donaldson+nano+air+filter&source=gbs_selecte d_pages&cad=1_1#PPA1,M1http://www.google.com/patents?id=D0ESAAAAEBAJ&pg= PA6&dq=donaldson+nano+air+filter&source=gbs_selecte d_pages&cad=1_1#PPA1,M1