Non-Woven Textiles Formed from Contact Drawn Poly(ethylene oxide) Fibers Provide Tunable Filtration and Virucidal Properties via Entrapment of Silver Nanoparticles

Filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) protect wearers from inhalation of fine particulates and help prevent transmission of airborne viruses. Here, an FFR material is produced by successive deposition of contact drawn poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) fibers. Fibers are formed by immersing an array of pins in a highly viscous precursor solution of PEO and then rapidly removing the pins such that polymer entanglement occurs, forming multiple liquid bridges that rapidly dry as they extend. Tunable filtration is achieved by varying the number of PEO fiber elongation cycles. Placing the PEO textiles between two woven cotton cloths provides structural support and additional filtration capacity, achieving a maximum filtration efficiency of 95% with a corresponding initial pressure drop of 281 Pa. The entrapment of silver nanoparticles in the PEO fibers imparts virucidal properties to PEO-based textiles, as demonstrated by inactivation of a human coronavirus HCoV-OC43 and influenza A virus inoculum. The ability to tune filtration efficiency to application needs and provide advanced function through entrapment of active materials represents a versatile tool for limiting exposure to airborne particulates and pathogens.