High-Temperature Short-Time Treated Polylactic Acid Pleated Hydrocharged Melt Blown Nonwoven with Enhanced Charge Storage Capacity

Abstract

Biodegradable filter materials with high filtration effectiveness is essential for safeguarding human health. This study focused on the melt blown nonwoven fabric composed of polylactic acid and polycaprolactone as raw materials, with nanosilica serving as the electret material. In contrast to smooth fibers, the pleated fibers was subjected to a high temperature, short-time heat-setting method. Ultimately, sophisticated hydrocharging technology is employed to electret the processed nonwoven material, pleated fibers produce and retain a significant electrical charge following the hydrocharging process. The charge production capacity has been augmented nearly 2-fold (from 199 V to 598 V), and the storage capacity has been significantly enhanced (from 1.45 pA to 2.08 pA). The nonwoven fabric exhibits exceptional filtration efficiency (98.05 ± 0.18%), minimal pressure decreases (60.76 ± 0.05 Pa), and a commendable quality factor (0.16 Pa^–1). It is noteworthy that, following the evaluation of the crystallization capability, surface electrostatic potential, and charge storage characteristics of the self-fabricated nonwoven fabric, we have systematically elucidated the mechanisms of pleat formation and charge storage, thereby providing theoretical guidance for the development of future pleated filtration materials.