PLA-BKC/PEG coaxial electrospun nanofibers for masks with thermal regulation

Abstract

Addressing the limitations of conventional mask materials in thermal comfort, antibacterial performance, and environmental sustainability, this study developed multifunctional PLA-BKC/PEG (P-B/P) composite nanofibers for mask filter applications. Utilizing coaxial electrospinning, polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution served as the inner layer, and a mixed solution of polylactic acid (PLA) and benzalkonium chloride (BKC) formed the outer layer. The P-B/P nanofibers achieved an average diameter as low as 420 nm, exhibiting superior mechanical and thermal stability, evidenced by a Young’s modulus of up to 176.5 MPa and negligible mass loss below 200 °C. Notably, P-B/P demonstrated excellent thermal hysteresis, showing a significant temperature lag of 5.6 °C during heating and 4.1 °C during cooling compared to pure PLA. Furthermore, P-B/P exhibited potent antibacterial performance, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, with an inhibition zone diameter reaching 10 mm. The nanofibers also achieved excellent air filtration performance, with an efficiency of up to 98.9%. By integrating the developed P-B/P with PLA melt-blown and spunbond nonwoven fabrics into a three-layer filter material, an enhanced filtration efficiency of 99.2% was achieved. This comprehensive study, encompassing material preparation, performance characterization, and functional evaluation, unequivocally demonstrates the significant potential of P-B/P in advanced mask applications, offering a valuable blueprint for the design of next-generation multifunctional and environmentally sustainable mask materials.