High performance filters comprising inorganic fibers having inorganic fiber whiskers grown thereon

摘要

A filter media system, which is capable of operating in the microfiltration regime, offers: low cost, durability, high temperature and chemical resistance, no particulation, mechanical strength, separation efficiency, and biocompatibility. The present invention provides a filter media system comprising a fibrous substrate of at least one of carbon and ceramic fibers, wherein an array of carbon or ceramic fiber whiskers have been grown onto the fibrous substrate, without prior densification of the fibrous substrate. A process for manufacturing a filter media system wherein a carbon fiber is treated with a solution of metal catalyst salt, heated in hydrogen at elevated temperatures to reduce the metal salt to metal, and whisker growth is initiated on the surfaces of the metal deposited carbon fibers by decomposition of low molecular weight hydrocarbon gas at elevated temperature is also provided.