| Electrospinning was investigated for its capability to produce consistent, nanometer-scale fibres when formed into novel freely suspended aerosol filtering mats applicable to model bioprotective fabrics.;Keywords: Electrospinning, nanofibre, biological warfare, filtration, bioprotection;Electrospinning performed during initial parameterization of the process produced Pellethane(TM) fibrous mats with a median fibre diameter of 0.44 mum. A model fabric was constructed with low mat fibre density in order to increase particulate filtration efficiency without reducing air permeability or increasing weight. Minimal filtration efficiency enhancement was observed from adding the mat. Subsequent refinements to the electrospinning process to produce higher density mats included compressing the whipping zone, straightening the electrical field, static charge dissipation, and using controlled corrosion on the target. This combination of refinements resulted in nanofibrous mats that were 6.2% higher in fibre solidity per 0.125 mL of raw polymeric solution used, less prone to breakage but of larger fibre diameters. Preliminary correlations between mat air permeability, % solidity and amount of polymeric solution used is presented. |
