Mesh filter, and preparation method therefor and use thereof

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of fabric treatment; and relates to a mesh filter, and a preparation method therefor and the use thereof, particularly relates to a self-cleaning mesh filter, a metal-coated mesh filter and an antibacterial mesh filter, and a preparation method therefor and the use thereof. The surface of the self-cleaning mesh filter is provided with a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating, which can effectively reduce the binding force between the mesh filter and lint, thus making it easier to peel off lint from the mesh filter and making the mesh filter easier to clean. The metal-coated mesh filter comprises a mesh filter substrate and a metal coating located on the surface of the mesh filter substrate. The metal-coated mesh filter has good glossiness and hydrophilicity, and is easy to clean. The material of the antibacterial mesh filter comprises a polymer substrate and an antibacterial agent. The antibacterial mesh filter has a long-term antibacterial effect, and can reduce the proliferation of bacteria during use.

Description

Filter screen and preparation method and application thereof

[0001] This document claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202411027580.3, filed on July 29, 2024, entitled "A self-cleaning filter screen and preparation method and application thereof", the Chinese patent application No. 202411300696.X, filed on September 14, 2024, entitled "A metal-plated filter screen, an antibacterial filter screen and preparation method and application thereof", and the Chinese patent application No. 202510589094.9, filed on May 07, 2025, entitled "A self-cleaning filter screen and preparation method and application thereof", all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present document belongs to the technical field of fabric treatment, and relates to a filter screen and a preparation method and application thereof, in particular to a self-cleaning filter screen, a metal-plated filter screen, an antibacterial filter screen and a preparation method and application thereof. BACKGROUND

[0003] During the operation of a clothes dryer, hot air is circulated into the inner drum of the clothes dryer to take away water vapor, but at the same time, lint generated in the friction process of the fabric is also taken away. In order to avoid the lint from being blown into the internal structural components (such as a condenser and an evaporator) to cause accumulation and thus reduce the drying effect, a filter screen structure is usually designed in the air path during the design of the clothes dryer structure to collect the lint generated during the drying process.

[0004] The common filter screen at present is woven by polymer fibers, and the mesh number is generally between 100 and 200, and the fiber diameter is generally between 40 and 80 μm. Although the filter screen structure can effectively collect the lint, the user needs to clean the lint regularly. Generally, the ways to clean the lint mainly include manual scraping and tap water washing. The lint is easy to fly during the manual scraping process, so consumers usually choose tap water washing. However, it is difficult for the ordinary filter screen to strip the lint during the washing process, and usually a large amount of tap water is needed. In addition, the filter screen itself as a functional device for collecting lint, the inside is easy to deposit lint, dust and other sundries, and bacteria are easy to breed after a long time, which affects personal health. SUMMARY

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, the present document provides a filter screen and a preparation method and application thereof, in particular, a self-cleaning filter screen, a metal-plated filter screen, an antibacterial filter screen and a preparation method and application thereof. The self-cleaning filter screen has a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating on the surface, which can effectively reduce the binding force between the filter screen and the hair dust, so that the hair dust is more easily peeled off from the filter screen, and the filter screen is more easily cleaned. The metal-plated filter screen has good gloss and hydrophilicity, and is easy to clean. The antibacterial filter screen has long-term antibacterial effect, which can reduce the growth of bacteria during use.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present document provides a self-cleaning filter screen, which comprises a filter screen base body and a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating on the surface of the filter screen base body.

[0007] The contact angle of the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating with water is 140°-150°, and the contact angle of the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating with oil is 120°-130°.

[0008] In some embodiments of the present document, the material of the filter screen base body comprises one or more of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and polyamide.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present document, the mass of the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating accounts for 0.5-1% of the mass of the self-cleaning filter screen.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present document, the material of the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating comprises a copolymer of the following polymerized monomers: an acrylate soft monomer, an acrylate hard monomer, a fluorine-containing acrylate monomer, an acrylate crosslinking monomer and an alkenyl-containing silicon monomer.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present document, the polymerized monomers comprise, based on the total mass of the polymerized monomers being 100%, 30-40% of the acrylate soft monomer, 20-30% of the acrylate hard monomer, 16-24% of the fluorine-containing acrylate monomer, 10-20% of the acrylate crosslinking monomer and 1-5% of the alkenyl-containing silicon monomer.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present document, the acrylate soft monomer comprises one or more of butyl acrylate and lauryl acrylate.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present document, the acrylate hard monomer comprises methyl methacrylate.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present document, the fluorine-containing acrylate monomer comprises one or more of tridecafluoro octyl acrylate, dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate, dodecafluoroheptyl acrylate and hexafluorobutyl methacrylate.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present document, the acrylate crosslinking monomer comprises one or more of hydroxyethyl acrylate and stearyl methacrylate.

[0016] In some embodiments herein, the alkenyl-containing silicon monomer comprises one or more of an alkenyl-containing organosilicon and an alkenyl-containing inorganic silicon.

[0017] In some embodiments herein, the alkenyl-containing organosilicon comprises an alkenyl siloxane.

[0018] In some embodiments herein, the alkenyl-containing inorganic silicon comprises an alkenyl siloxane-modified SiO2 nanoparticle.

[0019] In some embodiments herein, the alkenyl siloxane-modified SiO2 nanoparticle has a particle size of 50-80 nm.

[0020] In some embodiments herein, the alkenyl siloxane comprises one or more of vinyltriethoxysilane, γ-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane, and vinyltrimethoxysilane.

[0021] In a second aspect, provided herein is a method for preparing the self-cleaning filter screen as described in the first aspect, the method comprising the following steps:

[0022] (1) mixing a polymerization monomer with an initiator, an emulsifier, and a dispersion medium to obtain a polymerization emulsion;

[0023] (2) placing a filter screen substrate in the polymerization emulsion, performing a polymerization reaction, in-situ polymerizing a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating layer on the surface of the filter screen substrate, and drying to obtain the self-cleaning filter screen.

[0024] In some embodiments herein, the mass content of the polymerization monomer in the polymerization emulsion is 6-10%.

[0025] In some embodiments herein, the mass ratio of the initiator to the polymerization monomer is (0.5-0.7): 100.

[0026] In some embodiments herein, the initiator comprises one or more of ammonium persulfate, azobisdimethylvaleric acid hydrochloride, and potassium persulfate.

[0027] In some embodiments herein, the mass ratio of the emulsifier to the polymerization monomer is (1.4-2): 100.

[0028] In some embodiments herein, the emulsifier comprises one or more of an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, and a non-ionic surfactant.

[0029] In some embodiments herein, the dispersion medium is water, or a mixture of water and an organic cosolvent.

[0030] In some embodiments herein, when the dispersing medium is a mixture of water and an organic co-solvent, the mass ratio of the organic co-solvent to the polymerizable monomer is (15-20):100.

[0031] In some embodiments herein, the organic co-solvent comprises one or more of tripropylene glycol, acetone and ethanol.

[0032] In some embodiments herein, the temperature of the polymerization reaction is 18-25℃ and the time is 0.5-1.5h.

[0033] In a third aspect, provided herein is a metal-plated filter screen, comprising a filter screen substrate and a metal plating layer on the surface of the filter screen substrate.

[0034] In some embodiments herein, the material of the metal plating layer comprises one or more of aluminum, copper, titanium, chromium and silver.

[0035] In some embodiments herein, the thickness of the metal plating layer is 200-1500nm.

[0036] In some embodiments herein, the metal plating layer is composed of metal particles.

[0037] In some embodiments herein, the particle size of the metal particles is below 200nm.

[0038] In some embodiments herein, the material of the filter screen substrate is a polymer.

[0039] In some embodiments herein, the material of the filter screen substrate comprises one or more of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and polyamide.

[0040] In a fourth aspect, provided herein is a method for preparing the metal-plated filter screen according to the third aspect, comprising: using a metal target to form a metal plating layer on the surface of a filter screen substrate by magnetron sputtering, to obtain the metal-plated filter screen.

[0041] In some embodiments herein, the conditions of the magnetron sputtering comprise: a sputtering power of 50-150W, a sputtering time of 0.5-1.5h, a sputtering distance of 8-12cm, a back ground vacuum degree of (1-3)×10 -4 Pa, an argon gas as the working gas, a flow rate of the working gas of 15-25sccm, a sputtering temperature of 25℃, and / or a cavity gas pressure during sputtering of 0.8-1.2Pa.

[0042] In some embodiments herein, the method further comprises: cleaning the filter screen substrate before the magnetron sputtering.

[0043] In a fifth aspect, provided herein is an antibacterial filter screen, wherein a material of the antibacterial filter screen comprises a polymer substrate and an antibacterial agent, and the antibacterial agent is dispersed in the polymer substrate.

[0044] In some embodiments herein, the antibacterial filter screen is woven from antibacterial polymer fibers, wherein the antibacterial polymer fibers comprise a polymer substrate and an antibacterial agent, and the antibacterial agent is dispersed in the polymer substrate.

[0045] In some embodiments herein, the antibacterial agent comprises one or more of polyhexamethylene guanidine, polyhexamethylene biguanide, zinc oxide, and copper oxide.

[0046] In some embodiments herein, the antibacterial agent has a mass content of 0.3-3% in the antibacterial filter screen.

[0047] In some embodiments herein, the polymer substrate comprises one or more of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, and polyamide.

[0048] In a sixth aspect, provided herein is a method for preparing the antibacterial filter screen according to the fifth aspect, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0049] melting and blending the polymer substrate with the antibacterial agent to obtain an antibacterial polymer material;

[0050] melt spinning the antibacterial polymer material to form antibacterial polymer fibers;

[0051] weaving the antibacterial polymer fibers to form the antibacterial filter screen.

[0052] In some embodiments herein, the step of melting and blending the polymer substrate with the antibacterial agent comprises melting and blending the polymer substrate with the antibacterial agent in a screw extruder at a first ratio, and extruding and granulating to obtain an antibacterial masterbatch; melting and blending the antibacterial masterbatch with the polymer substrate in a screw extruder at a second ratio to obtain the antibacterial polymer material.

[0053] In some embodiments herein, the antibacterial agent has a mass content of 10-30% in the antibacterial masterbatch.

[0054] In some embodiments herein, the step of melt spinning comprises heating and melting the antibacterial polymer material to be transferred to a spinning assembly to form a spinning stream, the spinning stream is cooled and stretched by air blowing in a spinning duct to form a nascent fiber, the nascent fiber is drawn by a heat roller and wound to form the antibacterial polymer fiber.

[0055] In a seventh aspect, provided herein is a filter screen assembly, wherein the assembly comprises:

[0056] At least one of the self-cleaning filter screen according to the first aspect, the self-cleaning filter screen prepared by the preparation method according to the second aspect, the metal-plated filter screen according to the third aspect, the metal-plated filter screen prepared by the preparation method according to the fourth aspect, the antibacterial filter screen according to the fifth aspect and the antibacterial filter screen prepared by the preparation method according to the sixth aspect;

[0057] and a housing supporting the filter screen.

[0058] In an eighth aspect, the above filter screen or filter screen assembly is applied to a clothes dryer or a washer-dryer.

[0059] Compared with the prior art, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments have the following advantages:

[0060] The self-cleaning filter screen provided in the embodiments has a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating on the surface, a lower surface energy, a hydrophobic and oleophobic property, can effectively reduce the binding force between the filter screen and the lint, and can make the lint more easily peeled off from the filter screen and the filter screen more easily cleaned. The preparation method of the self-cleaning filter screen is simple in operation, mild in conditions, low in cost, and suitable for industrial production.

[0061] The metal-plated filter screen provided in the embodiments can improve the glossiness of the filter screen, improve the hydrophilicity, and make the filter screen more easily cleaned by forming a metal plating layer on the surface of the filter screen base. In addition, using an antibacterial metal such as copper, titanium, chromium, silver, etc. as the metal plating layer material can also make the filter screen have certain antibacterial performance.

[0062] The antibacterial filter screen provided in the embodiments can obtain antibacterial performance by dispersing the antibacterial agent in the polymer substrate. During long-term use, the antibacterial agent gradually migrates out, which can make the antibacterial filter screen have long-term antibacterial effect. Using the antibacterial filter screen in a clothes dryer or a washer-dryer can reduce the breeding of bacteria. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0063] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure together with the specification.

[0064] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or the prior art, the accompanying drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or the prior art description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings according to these drawings without any creative effort.

[0065] FIG. 1 is a representative SEM photo of the filter screen base used in embodiments 1-1 to 1-5;

[0066] FIG. 2 is an SEM photo of the self-cleaning filter screen provided in embodiment 1-1.

[0067] Figure 3 is a contact angle test diagram of a filter screen substrate with water used in the embodiments herein;

[0068] Figure 4 is a contact angle test diagram of a filter screen substrate with oil used in the embodiments herein;

[0069] Figure 5 is a contact angle test diagram of a self-cleaning filter screen provided by embodiments 1-2 with water;

[0070] Figure 6 is a contact angle test diagram of a self-cleaning filter screen provided by embodiments 1-2 with oil;

[0071] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional SEM photo of an aluminum-plated filter screen provided by embodiment 2-1;

[0072] Figure 8 is an SEM photo of the surface of the aluminum plating layer of an aluminum-plated filter screen provided by embodiment 2-1;

[0073] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional SEM photo of an aluminum-plated filter screen provided by embodiment 2-2;

[0074] Figure 10 is an SEM photo of the surface of the aluminum plating layer of an aluminum-plated filter screen provided by embodiment 2-2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] In order to enable a clearer understanding of the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present application, the following will further describe the present application. It should be noted that the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other without conflict, if possible.

[0076] In the following description, many specific details are set forth in order to fully understand the present application, but the present application can also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein; obviously, the embodiments described in the specification are only some of the embodiments of the present application, not all the embodiments.

[0077] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application belongs; the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing the specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present application.

[0078] It should be noted that, in the present document, relational terms such as "first" and "second", and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order between such entities or actions. Moreover, the terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by "comprises a... " does not, without more constraints, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

[0079] In a first aspect, the embodiments herein provide a self-cleaning filter screen, the self-cleaning filter screen comprising a filter screen base body and a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating on a surface of the filter screen base body.

[0080] The hydrophobic and oleophobic coating has a contact angle with water of 140-150°, and the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating has a contact angle with oil of 120-130°.

[0081] The self-cleaning filter screen provided herein has a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating on the surface, which has a low surface energy and a hydrophobic and oleophobic property, which can effectively reduce the binding force between the filter screen and the hair, so that the hair is more easily peeled off from the filter screen, and the filter screen is easier to clean.

[0082] In the embodiments herein, the contact angle of the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating with water may, for example, be 140°, 141°, 142°, 143°, 144°, 145°, 146°, 147°, 148°, 149°, or 150°, or the like. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the listed values, and other non-listed values within the range are also applicable.

[0083] In the embodiments herein, the contact angle of the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating with oil may, for example, be 120°, 121°, 122°, 123°, 124°, 125°, 126°, 127°, 128°, 129°, or 130°

[0084] In the embodiments herein, in the test of the contact angle of the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating with oil, the oil is selected according to "GB / T 1534-2017 Peanut Oil".

[0085] In some embodiments, the filter screen substrate can be a conventional uncoated filter screen, which is typically woven from fibers of a filter screen substrate material. The fibers can have a diameter of 40-80 pm, and the screen mesh can have a mesh count of 100-200. In some embodiments, the material of the filter screen substrate is not particularly limited and can be selected by a person of ordinary skill in the art. As non-limiting examples, the material of the filter screen substrate can include one or more of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyamide (PA).

[0086] In some embodiments, the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating has a mass of 0.5-1% of the mass of the self-cleaning filter screen. For example, the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating can have a mass of 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, or 1%, etc. However, the range is not limited to the listed values, and other values not listed within the range are also applicable.

[0087] In some embodiments, if the content of the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating is too low, the thickness of the coating is too thin, and the corresponding hydrophobic and oleophobic properties are low, and the coating can not completely cover the filter screen substrate. If the content of the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating is too high, the air permeability of the filter screen can decrease, and the filter screen mesh can be blocked.

[0088] In some embodiments, the material of the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating includes a copolymer of the following polymerized monomers: an acrylate soft monomer, an acrylate hard monomer, a fluorine-containing acrylate monomer, an acrylate crosslinking monomer, and an alkenyl-containing silicon monomer.

[0089] In some embodiments, the polymerized monomers include, based on a total mass of the polymerized monomers being 100%, 30-40% (e.g., 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, or 40%, etc.) of the acrylate soft monomer, 20-30% (e.g., 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, or 30%, etc.) of the acrylate hard monomer, 16-24% (e.g., 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, or 24%, etc.) of the fluorine-containing acrylate monomer, 10-20% (e.g., 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, or 20%, etc.) of the acrylate crosslinking monomer, and 1-5% (e.g., 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, or 5%, etc.) of the alkenyl-containing silicon monomer. However, the range is not limited to the listed values, and other values not listed within the range are also applicable.

[0090] In the embodiments of the present application, the polymer coating formed by the cooperation of the above-mentioned monomers has good hydrophobic and oleophobic properties, softness, air permeability, mechanical properties and adhesion.

[0091] The acrylate hard monomer can form a polymer skeleton, thereby endowing the final polymer with excellent mechanical properties, thermal stability and durability. By changing the type and proportion of the acrylate hard monomer, the properties of the polymer can be regulated, for example, by adjusting the content and structure of the acrylate hard monomer, the glass transition temperature, strength, elastic modulus and other properties of the polymer can be changed.

[0092] The acrylate soft monomer is a monomer with high dispersibility and solubility, which can form a stable emulsion in an aqueous phase. The acrylate soft monomer can wrap and stabilize the emulsion particles in the emulsion polymerization, thereby maintaining the stability of the emulsion and preventing agglomeration and precipitation during polymerization. In addition, the acrylate soft monomer can copolymerize with the acrylate hard monomer during polymerization, thereby regulating the polymerization rate, degree of polymerization and structure, and thereby affecting the properties of the final polymer.

[0093] The fluorine-containing acrylate monomer mainly plays a role in reducing surface energy and improving the hydrophobic and oleophobic properties of the polymer coating, and therefore needs to have a sufficient content. However, when the content exceeds the above-mentioned range, more fluorine-containing acrylate monomers will not further increase the hydrophobic and oleophobic properties of the polymer coating, but will instead cause the stability of the polymer emulsion to decrease, and gels to easily form during the reaction, thereby affecting the uniformity of the coating.

[0094] The acrylate crosslinking monomer is mainly used to improve the adhesion of the polymer coating to the filter screen substrate, and to improve the cohesion of the polymer, so as to improve the cohesive strength, oil resistance, heat resistance and aging resistance of the polymer coating. The content of the acrylate crosslinking monomer needs to be kept within a suitable range, and too much content will not only cause a large amount of gels to form during emulsion polymerization, which is not conducive to the formation of a uniform coating, but also can cause the storage stability of the emulsion to decrease.

[0095] The alkenyl-containing silicon monomer is mainly used to improve the roughness of the surface of the polymer coating, so as to form a special microstructure on the surface and thereby improve the hydrophobic and oleophobic properties of the polymer coating. If the content is too low, the hydrophobic and oleophobic properties of the polymer coating will decrease, and if the content is too high, a large amount of gels or insoluble substances will be produced in the emulsion during the reaction, thereby affecting the uniformity of the coating.

[0096] In some embodiments of the present application, the acrylate soft monomer includes one or more of butyl acrylate (BA) and lauryl acrylate.

[0097] In some embodiments of the present application, the acrylate hard monomer includes methyl methacrylate (MMA).

[0098] In some embodiments herein, the fluorine-containing acrylate monomer comprises one or more of tridecafluoro-octyl acrylate, dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate, dodecafluoroheptyl acrylate, and hexafluorobutyl methacrylate.

[0099] In some embodiments herein, the acrylate crosslinking monomer comprises one or more of hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) and stearyl methacrylate (SMA).

[0100] In some embodiments herein, the alkenyl-containing silicon monomer comprises one or more of alkenyl-containing organosilicon and alkenyl-containing inorganic silicon.

[0101] In some embodiments herein, the alkenyl-containing organosilicon comprises alkenyl siloxane.

[0102] In some embodiments herein, the alkenyl-containing inorganic silicon comprises alkenyl siloxane-modified SiO2 nanoparticles.

[0103] In embodiments herein, the method for preparing the alkenyl siloxane-modified SiO2 nanoparticles is not particularly limited, and one of ordinary skill in the art can prepare it using a conventional method. As a non-limiting example, the alkenyl siloxane and SiO2 can be uniformly dispersed in water, and then reacted at a certain temperature to obtain the alkenyl siloxane-modified SiO2 nanoparticles.

[0104] In some embodiments herein, the alkenyl siloxane-modified SiO2 nanoparticles have a particle size of 50-80 nm; for example, it can be 50 nm, 55 nm, 60 nm, 65 nm, 70 nm, 75 nm, or 80 nm, etc.

[0105] In some embodiments herein, the alkenyl siloxane comprises one or more of vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES), γ-methacryloyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH570), and vinyltrimethoxysilane.

[0106] In some embodiments herein, the polymerization monomers include, based on 100% of the total mass of the polymerization monomers: butyl acrylate 30-40% (e.g., can be 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, or 40%, etc.), methyl methacrylate 20-30% (e.g., can be 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, or 30%, etc.), tridecafluoro-1,1,2,2-hexyl octyl acrylate 16-24% (e.g., can be 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, or 24%, etc.), hydroxyethyl acrylate 10-20% (e.g., can be 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, or 20%, etc.), and alkenyl siloxane modified SiO2nanoparticles 1-5% (e.g., can be 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, or 5%, etc.). However, the present disclosure is not limited to the listed values, and other values not listed within the range are also applicable. The polymer coating formed using the polymerization monomers has good overall performance.

[0107] In some embodiments herein, the polymerization monomers include, based on 100% of the total mass of the polymerization monomers: butyl acrylate 30-40% (e.g., can be 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, or 40%, etc.), methyl methacrylate 20-30% (e.g., can be 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, or 30%, etc.), dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate 16-24% (e.g., can be 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, or 24%, etc.), stearyl methacrylate 10-20% (e.g., can be 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, or 20%, etc.), and alkenyl siloxane 1-5% (e.g., can be 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, or 5%, etc.). However, the present disclosure is not limited to the listed values, and other values not listed within the range are also applicable. Compared to the inorganic silicon-containing polymerization monomers described above, the use of the organic silicon-containing polymerization monomers has a greater conversion rate of the emulsion formed during the coating preparation process, a smaller gel rate, better stability, a more uniform coating, and a relatively smaller impact on the color, softness, and air permeability of the filter screen.

[0108] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for preparing the self-cleaning filter screen according to the first aspect, the method comprising the following steps:

[0109] (1) mixing the polymerization monomer, the initiator, the emulsifier and the dispersion medium to obtain a polymerization emulsion;

[0110] (2) placing the filter screen substrate in the polymerization emulsion to perform a polymerization reaction, and in-situ polymerizing a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating on the surface of the filter screen substrate to obtain the self-cleaning filter screen after drying.

[0111] The preparation method provided by the embodiments herein can mix the raw materials of the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating into an emulsion, and then place the filter screen substrate in the emulsion to initiate a polymerization reaction, so as to in-situ polymerize a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating on the surface of the filter screen substrate. The method is simple in operation, mild in conditions, low in cost, and suitable for industrial production.

[0112] In some embodiments herein, the mass content of the polymerization monomer in the polymerization emulsion is 6-10%, for example, 6%, 6.5%, 7%, 7.5%, 8%, 8.5%, 9%, 9.5% or 10%, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the listed values, and other values not listed in the range are also applicable.

[0113] In the embodiments herein, if the content of the polymerization monomer in the polymerization emulsion is too low, the polymerization reaction efficiency will be low, and the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating formed on the surface of the filter screen substrate will be less, which will affect the hydrophobic and oleophobic performance of the filter screen. If the content of the polymerization monomer is too high, the stability of the emulsion will be affected, and agglomeration will easily occur.

[0114] In some embodiments herein, the mass ratio of the initiator to the polymerization monomer is (0.5-0.7):100, for example, 0.5:100, 0.52:100, 0.55:100, 0.58:100, 0.6:100, 0.62:100, 0.65:100, 0.68:100 or 0.7:100, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the listed values, and other values not listed in the range are also applicable.

[0115] In some embodiments herein, the initiator includes one or more of ammonium persulfate (APS), azobis isobutyl amide hydrochloride (AIBA) and potassium persulfate. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and other conventional initiators in the art can also be applicable herein.

[0116] In some embodiments herein, the mass ratio of the emulsifier to the polymerization monomer is (1.4-2):100, for example, 1.4:100, 1.5:100, 1.6:100, 1.7:100, 1.8:100, 1.9:100 or 2:100, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the listed values, and other values not listed in the range are also applicable.

[0117] In some embodiments herein, the emulsifier comprises one or more of an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, and a non-ionic surfactant.

[0118] In embodiments herein, the anionic surfactant, the cationic surfactant, and the non-ionic surfactant are not particularly limited, and can be routinely selected by one skilled in the art. By way of non-limiting example, the anionic surfactant can be sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS); the cationic surfactant can be octadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (1831), octadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, or the like; and the non-ionic surfactant can be octylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (OP-10), fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether (AEO), or the like.

[0119] In some embodiments herein, the dispersion medium is water, or a mixture of water and an organic co-solvent. It is readily understood by one skilled in the art that the content of the dispersion medium in the polymer emulsion is the balance other than the polymerizable monomers, the initiator, and the emulsifier.

[0120] In some embodiments herein, when the dispersion medium is a mixture of water and an organic co-solvent, the mass ratio of the organic co-solvent to the polymerizable monomers is (15-20):100, for example, it can be 15:100, 16:100, 17:100, 18:100, 19:100, or 20:100, or the like. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the listed values, and other values not listed in this range are also applicable.

[0121] In some embodiments herein, the organic co-solvent comprises one or more of tripropylene glycol, acetone, and ethanol.

[0122] In some embodiments herein, the temperature of the polymerization reaction is 18-25°C, for example, it can be 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C, 22°C, 23°C, 24°C, or 25°C, or the like. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the listed values, and other values not listed in this range are also applicable.

[0123] In some embodiments herein, the time of the polymerization reaction is 0.5-1.5h, for example, it can be 0.5h, 0.6h, 0.8h, 1h, 1.2h, 1.3h, or 1.5h, or the like. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the listed values, and other values not listed in this range are also applicable.

[0124] In embodiments herein, the method of drying is not particularly limited, and by way of non-limiting example, it can be drying in an oven at 80°C for 2h.

[0125] In a third aspect, the embodiments herein provide a metal-plated filter screen, comprising a filter screen substrate and a metal plating layer on a surface of the filter screen substrate.

[0126] The metal-plated filter screen provided by the embodiments herein can improve the glossiness of the filter screen, improve the hydrophilicity, and make the filter screen easier to clean by forming the metal plating layer on the surface of the filter screen substrate.

[0127] In some embodiments herein, the material of the metal plating layer comprises one or more of aluminum, copper, titanium, chromium and silver. Among them, aluminum has a lower cost; copper, titanium, chromium and silver can make the filter screen have certain antibacterial properties in addition to the aforementioned effects of the metal plating layer.

[0128] In some embodiments herein, the thickness of the metal plating layer is 200-1500 nm; for example, it can be 200 nm, 250 nm, 300 nm, 350 nm, 400 nm, 450 nm, 500 nm, 550 nm, 600 nm, 700 nm, 800 nm, 900 nm, 1000 nm, 1100 nm, 1200 nm, 1300 nm, 1400 nm or 1500 nm, etc. However, the embodiments herein are not limited to the listed values, and other values not listed in this range are also applicable.

[0129] In the embodiments herein, if the thickness of the metal plating layer is too small, it can easily lead to a decrease in the continuity of the metal plating layer, a low glossiness of the filter screen and a low hydrophilicity; if the thickness of the metal plating layer is too large, it can easily lead to a small mesh of the filter screen, and even cause the mesh to be blocked.

[0130] In some embodiments herein, the metal plating layer is composed of metal particles.

[0131] In some embodiments herein, the particle size of the metal particles is below 200 nm; for example, it can be 10 nm, 20 nm, 30 nm, 40 nm, 50 nm, 60 nm, 70 nm, 80 nm, 90 nm, 100 nm, 110 nm, 120 nm, 130 nm, 150 nm, 160 nm, 180 nm or 200 nm, etc. However, the embodiments herein are not limited to the listed values, and other values not listed in this range are also applicable.

[0132] In the embodiments herein, if the particle size of the metal particles in the metal plating layer is too large, it can lead to a low bonding force between the metal plating layer and the filter screen substrate.

[0133] In some embodiments herein, the material of the filter screen substrate is a polymer.

[0134] In the embodiments herein, the filter screen substrate can be a conventional filter screen without plating layer in the art, which is usually woven by fibers of filter screen substrate material, and the fiber diameter can be 40-80 pm, and the mesh number can be 100-200. In the embodiments herein, the material of the filter screen substrate is not particularly limited, and can be selected conventionally by those skilled in the art. As non-limiting examples, the material of the filter screen substrate includes one or more of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) and polyamide (PA).

[0135] In a fourth aspect, provided herein is a method for preparing the metal-plated filter screen according to the third aspect, the method comprising: forming a metal plating layer on the surface of the filter screen substrate by magnetron sputtering using a metal target, to obtain the metal-plated filter screen.

[0136] Magnetron sputtering refers to a technology that under certain vacuum conditions, high-energy ions bombard the target material, so that the atoms or molecules on the surface of the target material obtain a certain energy and escape from the surface of the target material, and finally deposit a thin film on the substrate. By magnetron sputtering, a metal film can be deposited on the filter screen substrate. The metal plating layer prepared by magnetron sputtering is relatively uniform and dense, and has good bonding degree with the filter screen substrate.

[0137] The target material can be selected according to the metal of the plating layer, such as aluminum, copper, titanium, chromium, silver, etc., which can sputter a thin film at room temperature and is suitable for surface plating of filter screen substrate materials that are not resistant to high temperature.

[0138] In some embodiments herein, the sputtering power of the magnetron sputtering is 50-150 W, for example, it can be 50 W, 60 W, 70 W, 80 W, 90 W, 100 W, 110 W, 120 W, 130 W, 140 W or 150 W, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the listed values, and other values not listed in this range are also applicable.

[0139] In some embodiments herein, the sputtering time of the magnetron sputtering is 0.5-1.5 h, for example, it can be 0.5 h, 0.6 h, 0.8 h, 1 h, 1.2 h, 1.3 h or 1.5 h, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the listed values, and other values not listed in this range are also applicable.

[0140] In some embodiments herein, the sputtering distance of the magnetron sputtering is 8-12 cm, for example, it can be 8 cm, 8.5 cm, 9 cm, 9.5 cm, 10 cm, 10.5 cm, 11 cm, 11.5 cm or 12 cm, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the listed values, and other values not listed in this range are also applicable.

[0141] In some embodiments herein, the backing vacuum degree of the magnetron sputtering is (1-3) x 10 -4Pa, for example, can be 1 x 10 -4 Pa, 1.2 x 10 -4 Pa, 1.5 x 10 -4 Pa, 1.8 x 10 -4 Pa, 2 x 10 -4 Pa, 2.2 x 10 -4 Pa, 2.5 x 10 -4 Pa, 2.8 x 10 -4 Pa, or 3 x 10 -4 Pa, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the listed values, and other unlisted values within the range are also applicable.

[0142] In some embodiments herein, the working gas of the magnetron sputtering is argon.

[0143] In some embodiments herein, the flow rate of the working gas of the magnetron sputtering is 15-25 sccm (standard-stade cubic centimeter per minute), for example, can be 15 sccm, 16 sccm, 18 sccm, 20 sccm, 22 sccm, 23 sccm, or 25 sccm, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the listed values, and other unlisted values within the range are also applicable.

[0144] In some embodiments herein, the sputtering temperature of the magnetron sputtering is 25°C.

[0145] In some embodiments herein, the chamber pressure during the magnetron sputtering is 0.8-1.2 Pa, for example, can be 0.8 Pa, 0.9 Pa, 1 Pa, 1.1 Pa, or 1.2 Pa, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the listed values, and other unlisted values within the range are also applicable.

[0146] In the embodiments herein, the conditions of the magnetron sputtering are controlled within the above ranges, which helps to form a metal plating layer on the filter screen substrate with moderate thickness and particle size, and good performance.

[0147] In some embodiments herein, the preparation method further comprises: cleaning the filter screen substrate before the magnetron sputtering.

[0148] The purpose of cleaning the filter screen substrate is to remove dirt, grease, oxides, etc. on the surface thereof, so as to improve the bonding effect of the metal plating layer and the filter screen substrate. In the embodiments herein, the cleaning method of the filter screen substrate is not specially limited, and can be routinely selected by those skilled in the art. As a non-limiting example, the filter screen substrate can be cleaned with ultrasonic waves for about 5 min, and then dried by baking at 40-60°C.

[0149] In a fifth aspect, provided herein is an antibacterial filter screen, a material of the antibacterial filter screen comprising a polymer substrate and an antibacterial agent, the antibacterial agent being dispersed in the polymer substrate.

[0150] In the present disclosure, the antibacterial filter screen is endowed with antibacterial property by dispersing the antibacterial agent in the polymer substrate. During long-term use, the antibacterial agent gradually migrates out, thus the antibacterial filter screen can have long-term antibacterial effect.

[0151] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the antibacterial filter screen is woven by antibacterial polymer fibers, the antibacterial polymer fibers comprising a polymer substrate and an antibacterial agent, the antibacterial agent being dispersed in the polymer substrate.

[0152] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the antibacterial agent comprises one or more of polyhexamethylene guanidine, polyhexamethylene biguanide, zinc oxide and copper oxide.

[0153] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the mass content of the antibacterial agent in the antibacterial filter screen is 0.3-3%; for example, it can be 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.8%, 1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.8%, 2%, 2.2%, 2.3%, 2.5%, 2.6%, 2.8% or 3%, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the listed values, and other values not listed in the range are also applicable.

[0154] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, if the content of the antibacterial agent in the antibacterial filter screen is too low, the antibacterial effect is difficult to exert, and the antibacterial ability of the obtained antibacterial filter screen is weak. When the content of the antibacterial agent in the antibacterial filter screen is too high, due to the thinness of the yarn during spinning, usually 20-60 μm, the introduction of inorganic antibacterial agent will cause the decrease of the continuity of the polymer substrate and the decrease of the binding force between the molecular chains, thus the yarn is prone to breakage during spinning. The introduction of organic antibacterial agent will also affect the viscosity of the spinning melt, thus leading to yarn breakage.

[0155] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the polymer substrate comprises one or more of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and polyamide. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and other polymer materials commonly used in filter screens in the art can also be applicable herein.

[0156] In a sixth aspect, provided herein is a preparation method of the antibacterial filter screen according to the fifth aspect, the preparation method comprising the following steps:

[0157] melting and blending the polymer substrate with the antibacterial agent to obtain an antibacterial polymer material;

[0158] spinning the antibacterial polymer material to form antibacterial polymer fibers;

[0159] The antibacterial polymer fibers are woven together to form an antibacterial filter.

[0160] In some embodiments of this document, the step of melt blending the polymer substrate with the antibacterial agent includes: melt blending the polymer substrate and the antibacterial agent in a first ratio in a screw extruder, and extruding and granulating to obtain an antibacterial masterbatch; and melt blending the antibacterial masterbatch with the polymer substrate in a second ratio in a screw extruder to obtain the antibacterial polymer material.

[0161] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that, since the antibacterial masterbatch is diluted with a polymer substrate before the antibacterial polymer material is prepared, the antibacterial agent content in the antibacterial masterbatch is higher than that in the antibacterial polymer material (i.e., the antibacterial agent content in the antibacterial filter). Blending the polymer substrate twice helps promote the uniform dispersion of the antibacterial agent within the polymer substrate.

[0162] The embodiments herein do not impose any special limitations on the first ratio, and those skilled in the art can choose it conventionally. As a non-limiting example, the first ratio can be such that the mass content of the antibacterial agent in the antibacterial masterbatch is 10-30%; for example, it can be 10%, 12%, 13%, 15%, 16%, 18%, 20%, 22%, 23%, 25%, 26%, 28%, or 30%, etc. However, this document is not limited to the listed values, and other unlisted values ​​within this range are equally applicable. The second ratio can be calculated based on the first ratio and the antibacterial agent content in the antibacterial polymer material.

[0163] In the embodiments described herein, no special restrictions are placed on the melt blending temperature. Those skilled in the art can select the temperature based on the melt temperature of the polymer substrate, as long as the polymer substrate can melt and the material does not decompose. Taking PET substrate as an example, the processing temperature of the screw extruder can be 220-260℃. As a non-limiting example, the screw extruder used for melt blending can be a twin-screw extruder.

[0164] In some embodiments of this document, the melt spinning step includes: heating and melting the antibacterial polymer material and then conveying it to a spinning assembly to form a spinning stream; the spinning stream being cooled and stretched by air blowing in the spinning channel to form nascent fibers; and the nascent fibers being drawn and wound by hot rollers to form antibacterial polymer fibers.

[0165] As a non-limiting example, the method for heating and melting the antibacterial polymer material can be melt extrusion using a single-screw extruder. In the embodiments described herein, no special limitation is placed on the heating and melting temperature; those skilled in the art can select the temperature based on the melting temperature of the polymer substrate. Taking PET substrate as an example, the melting temperature can be 270-290°C.

[0166] As a preferred technical solution, the antibacterial polymer material is further filtered after being heated and melted to remove large particles and ensure the uniformity of the spun fibers.

[0167] As a non-limiting example, after the antibacterial polymer material is heated and melted, the melt can be metered using a metering pump. Taking PET substrate as an example, the temperature of the metering pump can be 280-290°C.

[0168] As a non-limiting example, the temperature of the hot roller can be 90-130°C, and the rotational speed of the hot roller can be 300-1000 m / min.

[0169] In the embodiments described herein, no special restrictions are placed on the spinning conditions and parameters of the antibacterial polymer fiber; those skilled in the art can make conventional selections according to actual needs.

[0170] Seventhly, embodiments of this document provide a filter assembly, the assembly comprising:

[0171] At least one of the following: the self-cleaning filter as described in the first aspect, the self-cleaning filter prepared by the preparation method as described in the second aspect, the metal-plated filter as described in the third aspect, the metal-plated filter prepared by the preparation method as described in the fourth aspect, the antibacterial filter as described in the fifth aspect, and the antibacterial filter prepared by the preparation method as described in the sixth aspect.

[0172] And, a housing that supports the filter.

[0173] The self-cleaning filter assembly can be manufactured using the following two processes:

[0174] The first method involves preparing a filter assembly by combining a filter substrate and a housing, then placing the filter assembly in a polymer emulsion for reaction, and finally drying it to obtain the self-cleaning filter assembly.

[0175] The second method involves first preparing a self-cleaning filter, then integrally injection molding the self-cleaning filter with the housing material, or assembling the self-cleaning filter with the housing into a self-cleaning filter assembly.

[0176] Eighthly, this article provides the application of the above-mentioned filter screen or filter screen assembly in a dryer or washer-dryer.

[0177] To make the technical problems, solutions, and beneficial effects addressed herein clearer, the following detailed description, in conjunction with embodiments and accompanying drawings, will provide further specific information. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely a portion of the embodiments described herein, and not all of them. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the scope of this document or its applications. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments herein without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this document.

[0178] Where specific techniques or conditions are not specified in the examples, they shall be performed in accordance with conventional techniques or conditions in the art, techniques or conditions described in the literature, or product instructions. Reagents or instruments whose manufacturers are not specified are all commercially available conventional products.

[0179] Example 1-1

[0180] This embodiment provides a self-cleaning filter, including a filter substrate and a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating on the surface of the filter substrate.

[0181] The self-cleaning filter screen described in this embodiment is prepared as follows:

[0182] (1) The monomers are mixed with an initiator, an emulsifier, and a dispersion medium to obtain a polymeric emulsion; the types and contents of each component in the polymeric emulsion are as follows:

[0183] The content of each monomer component in the polymer monomer refers to the mass percentage of that monomer component in the polymer monomer.

[0184] (2) The filter substrate (PET) is placed in the polymer emulsion and soaked at 20°C for 1 hour to carry out the polymerization reaction. After being taken out, it is dried in an oven at 80°C for 2 hours to obtain the self-cleaning filter.

[0185] Examples 1-2

[0186] This embodiment provides a self-cleaning filter, which differs from Embodiment 1-1 in that the types and contents of the components in the polymer emulsion are as follows:

[0187] The polymerization reaction conditions in step (2) are soaking at 18°C ​​for 1.5 hours.

[0188] Examples 1-3

[0189] This embodiment provides a self-cleaning filter, which differs from Embodiment 1-1 in that the types and contents of the components in the polymer emulsion are as follows:

[0190] The polymerization reaction conditions in step (2) are soaking at 25°C for 0.5 h.

[0191] Examples 1-4

[0192] This embodiment provides a self-cleaning filter, which differs from Embodiment 1-1 in that the types and contents of the components in the polymer emulsion are as follows:

[0193] The preparation method of KH570 modified SiO2 nanoparticles is as follows:

[0194] KH570 was added to an appropriate amount of organic solvent ethanol to form a silane coupling agent solution of a certain concentration. The silane coupling agent solution was then added dropwise to SiO2 nanoparticles (D50 of 60 nm), and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. The mixture was then dried to allow the organic solvent to evaporate completely, yielding KH570-modified SiO2 nanoparticles.

[0195] Examples 1-5

[0196] This embodiment provides a self-cleaning filter, which differs from Embodiment 1-1 in that the types and contents of the components in the polymer emulsion are as follows:

[0197] The preparation method of VTES-modified SiO2 nanoparticles is as follows:

[0198] VTES was added to an appropriate amount of organic solvent ethanol to form a silane coupling agent solution of a certain concentration. The silane coupling agent solution was then added dropwise to SiO2 nanoparticles (D50 of 80 nm), and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min. The mixture was then dried to allow the organic solvent to evaporate completely, yielding VTES-modified SiO2 nanoparticles.

[0199] Comparative Example 1-1

[0200] This comparative example provides a self-cleaning filter, which differs from Example 1-1 in that the composition of the polymer monomer is as follows:

[0201] Comparative Examples 1-2

[0202] This comparative example provides a self-cleaning filter, which differs from Example 1-1 in that the composition of the polymer monomer is as follows:

[0203] Comparative Examples 1-3

[0204] This comparative example provides a self-cleaning filter, which differs from Example 1-1 in that the composition of the polymer monomer is as follows:

[0205] Comparative Examples 1-4

[0206] This comparative example provides a self-cleaning filter, which differs from Example 1-1 in that the composition of the polymer monomer is as follows:

[0207] Performance testing

[0208] The performance of the self-cleaning filters provided in the above embodiments and comparative examples, as well as the filter substrate (PET) used, was tested using the following methods:

[0209] 1. Surface morphology

[0210] Characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

[0211] 2. Contact angle

[0212] A contact angle tester was used to test the water / oil contact angle of the filter screen.

[0213] The oil selected conforms to the standard of "GB / T1534-2017 Peanut Oil". The SEM image of the filter substrate (PET) is shown in Figure 1, and the SEM image of the self-cleaning filter provided in Example 1 is shown in Figure 2. As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the surface of the filter substrate is smooth, while the surface of the self-cleaning filter becomes rough, indicating that a coating has been successfully formed on the surface of the filter substrate.

[0214] Figure 3 shows the contact angle test results of the filter substrate (PET) with water, and Figure 4 shows the contact angle test results of the filter substrate (PET) with oil. It can be seen that the contact angle between the filter substrate and water is 75°, and the contact angle between the filter substrate and oil is 68°, indicating that the filter substrate is relatively hydrophilic and oil-sensitive. Figure 5 shows the contact angle test results of the self-cleaning filter provided in Example 2 with water, and Figure 6 shows the contact angle test results of the self-cleaning filter provided in Example 2 with oil. It can be seen that the contact angle between the self-cleaning filter and water is 148°, and the contact angle with oil is 124°. This self-cleaning filter exhibits excellent hydrophobic and oleophobic properties, therefore, it can help remove lint adhering to the filter screen by rinsing in subsequent applications.

[0215] The performance test data are shown in Table 1.

[0216] Table 1

[0217] As can be seen from the performance data in Table 1, the self-cleaning filter provided in this embodiment has a contact angle of 140°-150° with water and a contact angle of 120°-130° with oil, exhibiting good hydrophobic and oleophobic properties.

[0218] Compared with Example 1-1, in Comparative Example 1-1, the polymer monomer does not contain fluorinated acrylate monomer, which results in a significant reduction in the water-oil contact angle of the obtained self-cleaning filter and a decrease in its hydrophobic and oleophobic properties.

[0219] Compared with Example 1-1, in Comparative Example 1-2, the content of fluorinated acrylate monomer in the polymer monomer was too high, which led to the instability of the polymer emulsion, the formation of gel during the reaction, and the uneven composition of the coating. Therefore, the water-oil contact angle of the coating was significantly reduced, and the hydrophobic and oleophobic properties were reduced.

[0220] Compared with Examples 1-1, in Comparative Examples 1-3, the polymer monomers did not contain alkenyl-containing silicon monomers, resulting in a significant reduction in the water-oil contact angle of the obtained self-cleaning filter and a decrease in its hydrophobic and oleophobic properties.

[0221] Compared with Examples 1-1, in Comparative Examples 1-4, the content of alkenyl-containing silicon monomers in the polymer monomers was too high, which also led to the formation of gel during the polymerization emulsion reaction. The resulting coating composition was uneven, and therefore the water-oil contact angle of the coating was significantly reduced, resulting in a decrease in hydrophobic and oleophobic properties.

[0222] Example 2-1

[0223] This embodiment provides an aluminized filter screen, including a PET filter screen substrate and an aluminum coating on the surface of the PET filter screen substrate.

[0224] The method for preparing the aluminized filter screen in this embodiment is as follows:

[0225] (1) The PET filter substrate is ultrasonically cleaned for 5 minutes to remove dirt, grease, oxides and other contaminants from the surface of the substrate. Then it is dried at 50°C to obtain the cleaned PET filter substrate.

[0226] (2) Firmly adhere the cleaned PET filter substrate to the sample tray, adjust the sample loading position to ensure that the substrate is subjected to stable coating, and form an aluminum coating on the surface of the PET filter substrate by magnetron sputtering to obtain the aluminum-coated filter.

[0227] The magnetron sputtering conditions were as follows: the target material was aluminum; the sputtering power was 50W, 100W, and 150W; the sputtering time was 1 hour; the sputtering distance was 10cm; and the back-floor vacuum was 1×10⁻⁶. -4 Pa, the working gas is argon, the working gas flow rate is 20 sccm, the sputtering temperature is 25℃, and / or, the cavity pressure during sputtering is 1.0 Pa.

[0228] Example 2-2

[0229] This embodiment provides an aluminized filter screen, which differs from Embodiment 2-1 only in that the sputtering power is 100W and the sputtering time is 0.5h, 1h, and 1.5h respectively.

[0230] Morphological characteristics

[0231] The surface morphology of the aluminized filter screens provided in Examples 2-1 and 2-2 was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, and the results are shown in Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10.

[0232] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional SEM image of the aluminized filter screen provided in Example 2-1; wherein, the sputtering power corresponding to Figure a is 50W, the sputtering power corresponding to Figure b is 100W, and the sputtering power corresponding to Figure c is 150W.

[0233] Figure 8 shows SEM images of the aluminum coating surface of the aluminized filter screen provided in Example 2-1; wherein, the sputtering power corresponding to Figure a is 50W, the sputtering power corresponding to Figure b is 100W, and the sputtering power corresponding to Figure c is 150W.

[0234] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional SEM image of the aluminized filter screen provided in Example 2-2; wherein, the sputtering time corresponding to Figure a is 0.5h, the sputtering time corresponding to Figure b is 1h, and the sputtering time corresponding to Figure c is 1.5h.

[0235] Figure 10 shows SEM images of the aluminum coating surface of the aluminized filter screen provided in Example 2-2; where the sputtering time corresponding to Figure a is 0.5h, the sputtering time corresponding to Figure b is 1h, and the sputtering time corresponding to Figure c is 1.5h.

[0236] The aluminum coating thickness and aluminum particle size of the aluminized filter screen measured according to Figures 7 to 10 are shown in Table 2.

[0237] Table 2

[0238] As can be seen from the data in Table 2, the thickness of the aluminum coating increases with the increase of sputtering power and sputtering time; the particle size of aluminum particles in the aluminum coating increases with the increase of sputtering power and sputtering time.

[0239] Hydrophilicity test

[0240] The contact angles of the PET filter substrate, the aluminized filter screens provided in Examples 2-1 and 2-2, and water were tested using a contact angle tester. The results are shown in Table 3 below.

[0241] Table 3

[0242] As can be seen from the test results in Table 3, compared with the PET filter substrate, the contact angle between the aluminized filter screens provided in Examples 2-1 and 2-2 and water is reduced, indicating that the formation of a metal coating on the surface of the PET filter substrate can improve its hydrophilicity.

[0243] Example 3-1

[0244] This embodiment provides an antibacterial filter screen, which is woven from antibacterial PET fibers. The antibacterial PET fibers include a PET substrate and an antibacterial agent, zinc oxide. The antibacterial agent is dispersed in the PET substrate, and the mass content of the antibacterial agent in the antibacterial filter screen is 2%.

[0245] The method for preparing the antibacterial filter in this embodiment is as follows:

[0246] (1) Dry the PET substrate at 80°C, and then add it to the twin-screw extruder at a mass ratio of 90:10 for melt blending with the antibacterial agent zinc oxide. The processing temperature range of the extruder is 220-260°C. After extrusion granulation, PET antibacterial masterbatch is obtained.

[0247] PET antibacterial masterbatch and PET substrate are melt-blended in a twin-screw extruder, with the final antibacterial agent content controlled at 2% and the extruder processing temperature range of 220-260℃, to obtain antibacterial PET material;

[0248] (2) Antibacterial PET material is added to a single screw extruder for high-temperature melt filtration. The extruder processing temperature range is 270-290℃. The melt is metered by a metering pump at a temperature of 290℃ and then conveyed to the spinning assembly to form a spinning stream. The spinning stream is cooled and stretched by blowing in the spinning channel to form nascent fibers. The nascent fibers are stretched and wound by hot rollers at a temperature of 120℃ and a rotation speed of 500m / min to form antibacterial PET fibers.

[0249] (3) Antibacterial PET fibers are woven into an antibacterial filter.

[0250] Example 3-2

[0251] This embodiment provides an antibacterial filter, which differs from Embodiment 3-1 only in that the antibacterial agent zinc oxide is replaced with the same amount of polyhexamethylene biguanide.

[0252] Example 3-3

[0253] This embodiment provides an antibacterial filter, which differs from Embodiment 3-1 only in that the mass content of the antibacterial agent zinc oxide in the antibacterial filter is 0.5%.

[0254] Examples 3-4

[0255] This embodiment provides an antibacterial filter, which differs from Embodiment 3-1 only in that the mass content of the antibacterial agent zinc oxide in the antibacterial filter is 1%.

[0256] Antibacterial performance test

[0257] The antibacterial properties of the antibacterial filters provided in Examples 3-1 to 3-4 were tested using the film application method in Appendix A of GB 21551.2-2010. The test bacteria was Escherichia coli, and the results are shown in Table 4 below.

[0258] Table 4

[0259] As can be seen from the test results in Table 4, the antibacterial filter provided in this embodiment has good antibacterial performance, and the antibacterial performance increases with the increase of antibacterial agent content. When the content of antibacterial agent zinc oxide reaches 2%, the antibacterial rate reaches about 100%.

[0260] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein. Industrial applicability

[0261] The self-cleaning filter screens provided in this article have a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating on their surface, which can effectively reduce the binding force between the filter screen and lint, making it easier to peel off the lint and clean the filter screen; the metal-plated filter screen has good gloss and hydrophilicity, and is easy to clean; the antibacterial filter screen has a long-term antibacterial effect, which can reduce the growth of bacteria during use; all of these filter screens have strong industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning filter screen, comprising a filter screen substrate and a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating layer on the surface of the filter screen substrate; the contact angle of the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating layer with water is 140-150°, and the contact angle of the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating layer with oil is 120-130°.

2. The self-cleaning screen of claim 1, wherein, the material of the filter screen substrate comprises one or more of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and polyamide; and / or, the mass of the hydrophobic and oleophobic coating layer accounts for 0.5-1% of the mass of the self-cleaning filter screen.

3. The self-cleaning screen of claim 1 or 2, wherein, the total mass of the polymerized monomers is 100%, and the polymerized monomers comprise 30-40% of acrylate soft monomers, 20-30% of acrylate hard monomers, 16-24% of fluorine-containing acrylate monomers, 10-20% of acrylate crosslinking monomers and 1-5% of alkenyl-containing silicon monomers.

4. The self-cleaning screen of claim 3, wherein, the acrylate soft monomers comprise one or more of butyl acrylate and lauryl acrylate; and / or, the acrylate hard monomers comprise methyl methacrylate; and / or, the fluorine-containing acrylate monomers comprise one or more of tridecafluoro octyl acrylate, dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate, dodecafluoroheptyl acrylate and hexafluorobutyl methacrylate; and / or, the acrylate crosslinking monomers comprise one or more of hydroxyethyl acrylate and stearyl methacrylate; and / or, the alkenyl-containing silicon monomers comprise one or more of alkenyl-containing organosilicon and alkenyl-containing inorganic silicon.

5. The self-cleaning screen of claim 4, wherein, the alkenyl-containing organosilicon comprises alkenyl siloxane; and / or, the alkenyl-containing inorganic silicon comprises alkenyl siloxane modified SiO2 nanoparticles.

6. The self-cleaning screen of claim 5, wherein, the particle size of the alkenyl siloxane modified SiO2 nanoparticles is 50-80 nm; and / or, the alkenyl siloxane comprises one or more of vinyl triethoxysilane, γ-methacryloyloxypropyl trimethoxysilane and vinyl trimethoxysilane.

7. A method of producing a self-cleaning screen as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein, the preparation method comprises the following steps: (1) mixing polymerized monomers, initiators, emulsifiers and dispersion media to obtain a polymerization emulsion; (2) placing a filter screen substrate in the polymerization emulsion, performing a polymerization reaction, in-situ polymerizing a hydrophobic and oleophobic coating layer on the surface of the filter screen substrate, and drying to obtain the self-cleaning filter screen.

8. The production method according to claim 7, wherein the mass content of the polymerized monomers in the polymerization emulsion is 6-10%; and / or, the mass ratio of the initiator to the polymerized monomers is (0.5-0.7):100; and / or, the initiator comprises one or more of ammonium persulfate, azobisdimethylaminoform hydrochloride and potassium persulfate; and / or, the mass ratio of the emulsifier to the polymerized monomers is (1.4-2):100; and / or, the emulsifier comprises one or more of anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants and non-ionic surfactants; and / or, the dispersion medium is water or a mixture of water and organic cosolvents; and / or, the temperature of the polymerization reaction is 18-25℃, and the time is 0.5-1.5 h.

9. The production method according to claim 8, wherein the dispersion medium is a mixture of water and organic cosolvents, and the mass ratio of the organic cosolvents to the polymerized monomers is (15-20):

100. And / or, the organic co-solvent comprises one or more of tripropylene glycol, acetone and ethanol.

10. A metalized screen, wherein, The metal-plated filter screen comprises a filter screen substrate and a metal plating layer on the surface of the filter screen substrate.

11. The metalized screen of claim 10, wherein, The material of the metal plating layer comprises one or more of aluminum, copper, titanium, chromium and silver. And / or, the thickness of the metal plating layer is 200-1500 nm. And / or, the metal plating layer is composed of metal particles. And / or, the particle size of the metal particles is below 200 nm. And / or, the material of the filter screen substrate is a polymer. And / or, the material of the filter screen substrate comprises one or more of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and polyamide.

12. An antibacterial screen wherein, The material of the antibacterial filter screen comprises a polymer substrate and an antibacterial agent, and the antibacterial agent is dispersed in the polymer substrate.

13. The antimicrobial screen of claim 12, wherein, The antibacterial filter screen is woven by antibacterial polymer fibers, and the antibacterial polymer fibers comprise a polymer substrate and an antibacterial agent, and the antibacterial agent is dispersed in the polymer substrate. And / or, the antibacterial agent comprises one or more of polyhexamethylene guanidine, polyhexamethylene biguanide, zinc oxide and copper oxide. And / or, the mass content of the antibacterial agent in the antibacterial filter screen is 0.3-3%. And / or, the polymer substrate comprises one or more of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and polyamide.

14. A method of making an antibacterial screen as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein, The preparation method comprises the following steps: Melt blending a polymer substrate with an antibacterial agent to obtain an antibacterial polymer material; Melt spinning the antibacterial polymer material to form antibacterial polymer fibers; Woven the antibacterial polymer fibers to form an antibacterial filter screen.

15. Use of the self-cleaning filter screen of any one of claims 1-6, the self-cleaning filter screen prepared by the preparation method of any one of claims 7-9, the metal-plated filter screen of claim 10 or 11, or the antibacterial filter screen of claim 12 or 13 in a clothes dryer or a washer-dryer.

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