Multifunctional polymer nanocomposite coated antibacterial filters for air-purification.

Products used and produced in industrial locations must have natural ingredients and minimal energy usage due to air and environmental pollution. It is impossible for standard filters to clean bacterias in homes, workplaces and areas working with biological creatures. Therefore, the production of multifunctional nanocomposite and hybrid filter papers is necessary. In the study, filter papers coated with nanocomposite solutions prepared from green synthesized nanosilver (AgNPs) with plant extracts and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analyses showed that silver nanoparticles and PVA homogeneously coated the filter paper fibers, thereby reducing the average pore diameters by only 3% compared to commercial standards of filter paper. A filter with 36% higher burst pressure resistance was produced by nanosilver, plant extracts and PVA modification. The antibacterial effect is provided to the filters with a high effect of up to 10000 times, by coating them with nanosilver and plant extracts. This study made it possible to produce filter paper with natural ingredients and at low cost, reducing energy and raw material consumption, with high antibacterial effect and mechanical strength. In this way, bacteria and pollutants in the air will be cleaned without harming the environment and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]