Publications by authors named "Monica L Aguiar"

This study presents a novel approach for creating an effective air filtration medium using electrospun nanofibers comprised of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), and impregnated with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The membrane production was optimized using an experimental design methodology, resulting in a hydrophobic membrane that exhibits excellent dispersion of MWCNTs. Scanning electron microscopy images illustrate the nanofibers' morphology, featuring an average diameter of approximately 240 nm, minimal bead formation, and optimal MWCNT dispersion.

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The increased production of polystyrene waste has led to the need to find efficient ways to dispose of it. One possibility is the use of solid waste to produce filter media by the electrospinning technique. The aim of this work was to develop an ultra-fast electrospinning process applied to recycled polystyrene, with statistical evaluation of the influence of polymeric solution parameters (polymer concentration and percentage of DL-limonene) and process variables (flow rate, voltage, and type of support) on nanoparticle collection efficiency, air permeability, and fiber diameter.

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Although the area with the seam is approximately 4% of the total area of an industrial filter bag, a more extensive investigation of the influence of this region on surface filtration is necessary since the small seam holes can be a conduit for the passage of fine particles even after a certain time of use of the filter bag. Therefore, this work aimed to assess the influence of aging time on the filtration performance of P84 filter bags (samples without and with seam) used in an industrial bag filter, regarding tensile mechanical properties, air permeability, fractional separation efficiency, and filtration cycles. The particulate matter applied (sinter dust) to evaluate the efficiency and to perform the cycles was collected in the hoppers of an industrial bag filter installed in the primary dedusting system of a sinter plant in the steel industry.

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Due to growing concern about air pollution and its harmful effects on the health of the population, especially in regard to sub-micrometric particles, some studies have reported that applying an electric field to particle suspensions can improve filter performance by enhancing the deposition of particles in the filter medium. This can result in better particulate retention, which is particularly important for industrial processes such as cement production. The objective of this study was to investigate the behavior of cement particles with electrostatic charges during cake formation in fabric filters.

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Since the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the interest in applying nanofibers t air filtration and personal protective equipment has grown significantly. Due to their morphological and structural properties, nanofibers have potential applications for air filtration in masks and air filters. However, most nanofiber membrane materials used for these purposes are generally non-degradable materials, which can contribute to the disposal of plastic waste into the environment.

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The development of new materials with specific functionalities for certain applications has been increasing with the advent of nanotechnology. A technique widely used for this purpose is electrospinning, because control of several parameters involved in the process can yield nanoscale fibers. In addition to the production of innovative and small-scale materials, through structural, chemical, physical, and biological modifications in the fibers produced in electrospinning, it is possible to obtain specific properties for a given application.

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Purposes: The objective of this work was to produce and characterise biodegradable poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibre loaded with green propolis extract (GPE), chitosan (CS) and nystatin (NYS) alone and in mixtures as a potential wound dressing material.

Methods: The GPE, NYS and CS1% were loaded in electrospinning compositions based on PVA 7%, 8% and 12% solubilised in milli-Q water or a mixture of water and glacial acetic acid. The electrospinning compositions without actives (blank) and those loaded with actives were characterised by determining the pH, electrical conductivity and rheological properties.

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Due to the recent coronavirus-2019 pandemic, several studies have emerged looking for new materials, especially with biocidal characteristics. Thus, the present research investigates the antibacterial properties of biodegradable cellulose acetate (CA) / cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB) electrospun nanofibers, their aerosol filtration, and the possible use as a filter media of surgical face masks. Then, samples of these nanofibers were produced over a nonwoven substrate, using different volumes of polymeric solution during the electrospinning process.

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This article describes the impregnation of copper nanoparticles (CuNP) in a polyester fibre filter that can be used in solid-gas filtration to retain the spread of pathogen microorganisms in indoor environments. The impregnation of the CuNP was achieved by spraying the suspension on the surface of filter media. An acid pretreatment was also evaluated to increase the adhesion between fibre and nanoparticle.

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Air pollution and solid pollution are considered global problems, and endanger human health mainly due to the emission of fine particulate matter released into the atmosphere and improper disposal of post-consumer plastic bottles. Therefore, it is urgent to develop filter media to effectively protect the public. The properties of plastics make them potential candidates for nanofiber mat formers due to their attractive structural and mechanical characteristics.

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Currently, the inappropriate disposal of plastic materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) wastes, is a major environmental problem since it can cause serious damage to the environment and contribute to the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. To reduce this accumulation, PET-type bottles have been recycled, and also explored in other applications such as the development of membranes. Thus, this research aims to develop electrospun microfiber membranes from PET wastes and evaluate their use as an air filter media.

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Controlling the bioaerosol present in indoor environments has been evidenced to be extremely necessary. An alternative is to develop filter media for air conditioners that have biocidal properties. This study aimed to verify the biocidal effect of a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter medium modified with the deposition of nanoparticles on its surface.

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The increase of the industrialization process brought the growth of pollutant emissions into the atmosphere. At the same time, the demand for advances in aerosol filtration is evolving towards more sustainable technologies. Electrospinning is gaining notoriety, once it enables to produce polymeric nanofibers with different additives and also the obtaining of small pore sizes and fiber diameters; desirable features for air filtration materials.

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Often, solid matter is separated from particle-laden flow streams using electrospun filters due to their high specific surface area, good ability to capture aerial particulate matter, and low material costs. Moreover, electrospinning allows incorporating nanoparticles to improve the filter's air filtration efficiency and bacterial removal. Therefore, a new, improved polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers membrane that could be used to remove air pollutants and also with antibacterial activity was developed.

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Human exposure to air pollution and especially to nanoparticles is increasing due to the combustion of carbon-based energy vectors. Fibrous filters are among the various types of equipment potentially able to remove particles from the air. Nanofibers are highly effective in this area; however, their utilization is still a challenge due to the lack of studies taking into account both nanoparticle collection efficiency and antibacterial effect.

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In recent years, a great increase in the generation of spent batteries occurred. Then, efficient recycling ways and correct disposal of hazardous wastes are necessary. An alternative to recover the valuable materials from spent NiMH batteries is the spouted bed elutriation.

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