Mangilal Agarwal
Professor of Mechanical and Energy Engineering and Director of Integrated Nanosystems Development InstituteIntegrated Nanosystems Development Institute
ude[dot]iupui[at]lawraga
Copper Nanoparticles-assisted Nylon nanoscaffold enhanced masks/filters for COVID-19
Other research groups have attempted to overcome existing filtration weaknesses, but their methods are costly, complex, and mostly involve mechanical trapping, which reduces airflow and provides no antiviral capabilities. The few groups providing “antiviral” masks do not incorporate electrospinning technology, demonstrate only limited increases in filtration efficiency, and no improved airflow. MITS has started the process of fabricating CuONP scaffold layers on a small scale using a single nozzle, but for this STTR Phase I proposal, we intend to accomplish three proof of concept objectives: 1) optimize the nanoscaffold filter manufacturing process, 2) design and fabricate a multi-nozzle vertical electrospinning plus electrospraying system to complete a prototype antiviral enhanced mask/filter, and 3) with an industry partner, manufacture and test coupons using the new ventilation systems. These are necessary validation steps before attempting full scale-up in Phase II.