Characterization of melt-blown filters made of polypropylene and polypropylene-antimicrobial blends

Melt-blown filter media containing antimicrobial compounds were evaluated for mechanical properties, filtration efficiency, and ability to prevent bacterial growth on the filter. The filters were challenged with gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria grown on agar at three levels of pH and incubat...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Tappi journal 1997-03, Vol.80 (3), p.157-168
Main Authors: DEVER, M, DAVIS, W. T, ARRAGE, A. A, WHITE, D. C, BENSON, R. S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Exact sciences and technology
Exchange resins and membranes
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Technology of polymers
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Melt-blown filter media containing antimicrobial compounds were evaluated for mechanical properties, filtration efficiency, and ability to prevent bacterial growth on the filter. The filters were challenged with gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria grown on agar at three levels of pH and incubated at 25 degree C and 37 degree C for 24 h and 48 h. Antimicrobial Compound A prevented growth of the gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria at pH 4.8. Compound A was ineffective against the gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria at any pH. Compound B had no effect on bacterial growth. Compound C prevented growth of gram-negative and -positive bacteria at all pH levels. The antimicrobial compounds were nucleating agents, producing slight increases in crystallinity temperature, modulus, tensile strength, and stress-at-break and a decrease in elongation-at-break. Fiber diameter increased with increasing concentrations of antimicrobial compounds. Filtration efficiency decreased with increasing fiber diameter.
ISSN:0734-1415