Hybrid structured silk-rPET nanotechnical cloth for advanced air purification

Air pollution has become a significant global issue due to its detrimental environmental and human health effects. In this study, a novel approach was taken to address these challenges by developing a recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) nano-coated silk technical cloth embedded with green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a solution electrospinning technique. The filtration performance of the developed material was assessed through particle filtration efficiency (PFE) tests, while differential pressure (DP) tests were conducted to evaluate pressure drop. SEM, FTIR, tensile, antibacterial, radiative heat barrier performance, and moisture management properties of the developed samples were also performed. Maximum 96.58% of filtration performance was observed with corresponding low differential pressures of 29.1 Pa/cm²; maximum tensile force and elongation% were 157.47 N and 15.32%, respectively of the developed samples. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of silk, rPET, sodium alginate, and AgNPs in the developed sample. Antibacterial assays demonstrated inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Moisture management property revealed water penetration resistance and radiative heat barrier testing showed good barrier performance. These results make the promising potential of the developed material as an advanced air filter.