Graphene-Coated Textile Filter for Reusable Pathogen Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for new materials that can produce filters with high filtering action against atmospheric particulate and pathogens, while ensuring breathability, reusability, and sanitizability.
Innovation Solution
A filtering textile article is developed, comprising a textile substrate with graphene dispersed in a polymeric binder, which forms an electric and thermal circuit. This article has a bacterial filtration efficiency greater than 80% and a pressure drop of less than 60 Pa/cm2, allowing for sanitization through heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a textile substrate with low bacterial filtration efficiency is used, then the material cost and breathability are maintained, but the filtering action against pathogens is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies graphene, a two-dimensional nanomaterial, to the textile substrate to create a composite structure. This composite approach combines the breathability and flexibility of the textile with the superior filtration and antibacterial properties of graphene, achieving high bacterial filtration efficiency while maintaining comfort and reusability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the textile substrate by incorporating graphene at specific concentrations and configurations. This changes the filtration efficiency parameter from low to high, while also introducing antibacterial properties and thermal conductivity for sanitization capability
2Reliability
If a filter with high filtering power is produced, then the pathogen protection is improved, but the pressure drop and respiratory resistance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the porous structure of graphene and its ability to form a fine mesh network on the textile substrate. This porous configuration allows air molecules to pass through with minimal resistance while effectively capturing pathogens, achieving high filtration power with low pressure drop
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical filtration mechanisms with graphene's unique properties, including its two-dimensional structure and surface characteristics. This substitution enables efficient pathogen capture through adsorption and structural barriers rather than relying solely on mechanical blockage, reducing respiratory resistance
3Reliability
If a disposable filter is used, then the pathogen protection is ensured, but the reusability and sustainability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates graphene's thermal conductivity and antibacterial properties to enable self-sanitization of the filter. The filter can be heated to sanitize and eliminate accumulated pathogens, allowing repeated use without compromising protection efficacy, thus achieving both high reliability and reusability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables recovery and regeneration of the filter's protective properties through sanitization processes. Instead of discarding the filter after single use, the graphene-coated substrate can be recovered and reused multiple times after thermal or chemical sanitization, improving sustainability
4Reliability
If a filter material with high filtering action is used, then the pathogen capture is improved, but the breathability and respiratory comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies graphene selectively to specific regions or layers of the textile substrate, creating local zones of high filtration efficiency while maintaining the overall breathability of the textile structure. This localized application ensures pathogen capture at critical interfaces while preserving air flow pathways
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The textile article achieves high filtering and antibacterial characteristics while maintaining low respiratory resistance, enabling effective filtration and sanitization through thermal or electrical means.
Implementation Method 1
said graphene is dispersed in a polymeric binder and forms an electric and thermal circuit heatable by Joule effect through the use of an external battery
Implementation Method 2
exposure to electromagnetic radiation in the infrared or microwave region
Implementation Method 3
exposure to electromagnetic radiation in the infrared or microwave region
Implementation Method 4
exposure to electromagnetic radiation in the infrared or microwave region
Implementation Method 5
a textile substrate having a bacterial filtration efficiency of less than 80% according to UNI EN 14683:2019 Annex B
Implementation Method 6
said textile article includes graphene in an amount from 0.5 to 20 g of graphene per square meter of textile substrate
Data Source
AI summary
Textile article comprising a textile substrate to which graphene is applied in an amount from 0.5 to 20 g of graphene per square meter of textile substrate, wherein said graphene is dispersed in a polymeric binder and forms a thermal circuit heatable by exposure to electromagnetic radiation. There is also described a filter comprising said textile article, for example a face mask for personal health protection.