Production of polylactic acid-activated charcoal nanofiber membranes for COVID-19 pandemic by electrospinning technique and determination of filtration efficiency

Abstract

It is the use of masks as protective equipment against corona virus, also known as COVID-19 pandemic, which is the current problem of today. The mask is a personal protective equipment that protects employees against dust and particles of physical, chemical and biological agents. It is classified as ffp1, ffp2, ffp3 in European standards. Dust masks, surgical masks, gas masks, medical masks and synthetic-based masks are used in health and industrial areas. The primary function of these masks is to be protected from harmful factors. Masks are insufficient in terms of duration and function. In this study, 1%, 5% and 8% activated charcoal  (A.C.) reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) nanofiber membranes were produced by electrospinning technique. Structural (FTIR, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy), morphological (FEGSEM, Field Emission Gun Scanning Electron Microscope), mechanical (Tensile) and filtration efficiency analyzes were performed on the produced membranes and the material properties were determined. The membranes obtained can be used as an ideal filtration membrane that can be used for long-term use for the use of the whole society, especially healthcare workers, as protective equipment, especially in the COVID-19 pandemic.