Nanofibres: New scalable technology platform for producing polymeric nanofibres

摘要

Nanofibres, fibres having diameters of less than 1pm, have the potential to improve many products for numerous applications. While glass nanofibres have been available for some time and are used commercially in wet laid filtration applications, there is a recent trend for rapid technology development related to the production and application of polymeric sub-micron fibres. Nanofibres offer unique physical, mechanical, and electrical properties associated with their very high surface area and small pore sizes in nanofibre-nonwoven mats in comparison with commercial textiles. Nanofibres can significantly improve the mechanical efficiency of both liquid and aerosol filters, with a limited increase in the pressure drop depending on how they are applied. The surface-specific functionality and high surface area of nanofibres have already been used in nanoparticle filtration and heavy metal decontamination. In addition to filtration applications, polymeric nanofibres are being used in many commercially-available products, including acoustic insulation, battery separators, performance apparel and medical textiles.