High performance filtration membranes from electrospun poly (3-hydroxybutyrate)-based fiber membranes for fine particulate protection.

PM2.5 (particulate matter with a size of <2.5 μm) pollution has become a critical issue owing to its adverse health effects, including bronchitis, pneumonopathy, and cardiovascular diseases. Globally, around 8.9 million premature casualties related to exposure to PM2.5 were reported. Face masks are the only option that may restrict exposure to PM. In this study, a PM dust filter was developed via the electrospinning technique using the poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) biopolymer. Smooth and continuous fibers without beads were formed. The PHB membrane was further characterized, and the effects of the polymer solution concentration, applied voltage, and needle-to-collector distance were analyzed via the design of experiments technique, with three factors and three levels. The concentration of the polymer solution had the most significant effect on the fiber size and the porosity. The fiber diameter increased with increasing concentration, but decreases the porosity. The sample with a fiber diameter of ∼600 nm exhibited a higher PM filtration efficiency than the samples with a diameter of 900 nm, according to an ASTM F2299-based test. The PHB fiber mats fabricated at a concentration of 10%w/v, applied voltage of 15 kV, and needle tip-to-collector distance of 20 cm exhibited a high filtration efficiency of 95% and a pressure drop of <5 mmHO/cm. The tensile strength of the developed membranes ranged from 2.4 to 5.01 MPa, higher than those of the mask filters available in the market. Therefore, the prepared electrospun PHB fiber mats have great potential for the manufacture of PM filtration membranes.