Filters with mechanical and electrostatic filtering capabilities

Abstract

Filter media and filters, such as air filters, face masks, gas turbine and compressor air intake filters, panel filters and the like, are provided that capture submicron particles with both electrostatic forces and the utilization of nanoparticles within the filter media. A filtration media includes a substrate comprising fibers and nanoparticles disposed within the substrate. At least one of the fibers or the nanoparticles are electrostatically charged. The electrostatic charge effectively captures submicron particles during at least the initial use of the filter. The nanoparticles ensure that the efficiency of the filter remains high even after the electrostatic charge starts to decay over time. In addition, the bond between the fibers and the nanoparticles may be enhanced by the electrostatic charge, which allows the nanoparticles to be dispersed in depth throughout the filter media.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.