Technology Frontier | Innovation and Application of Fiber Technology in Air Filtration
Technology Frontier | Innovation and Application of Fiber Technology in Air Filtration
February 27, 2025
Today we will further share the application of fiber materials, especially cellulose fibers, in air filters. These filters are not only vital in the aviation field, but also play a key role in the automotive industry. They are responsible for removing pollutants from the air, protecting passenger health and improving engine efficiency.
The selection and application of fiber materials directly affect the performance and environmental impact of the filter. Here is a detailed analysis of how these materials achieve a balance between environmental protection and durability in air filtration technology.
Cellulose fibers: ideal for air filters
Cellulose fibers are ideal for manufacturing air filters due to their excellent processing performance, ideal chemical and mechanical properties and low cost.
These fibers can be selected from a variety of materials, including cellulose, thermoplastics and glass fibers, which together form the basis of fuel filters, cabin air filters, engine oil filters and engine air filter paper in automobiles and aircraft.
Bio-based cellulose: an environmentally friendly solution for air filtration
As a bio-based material, cellulose fibers are derived from a natural polymer - cellulose, which is a structural component of plant cell walls.
The bio-based nature of this material means that if the production process is correct, their environmental impact may be less than that of petrochemical-based products such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polypropylene (PP). In addition, cellulose fibers are biodegradable and can be broken down by microorganisms into water and carbon dioxide over a certain period of time, which is particularly important for reducing the environmental footprint of air filters.
Regenerated cellulose filter paper: a new choice for air filtration
Regenerated cellulose filter papers are slightly lower than new paper in burst resistance, stiffness and tensile index, but they are still suitable for some undemanding applications. In air filters, this material can reduce the demand for new resources while reducing waste generation.
Although it is not yet widely commercialized, the application potential of regenerated cellulose filter paper in the field of air filtration cannot be ignored.
Application of cellulose fibers in air filters
Although cellulose fibers have the advantages of being bio-based and biodegradable, they often need to be combined with other materials such as chemical fibers and glass fibers to improve durability and reliability in harsh environments. This is particularly important for air filters, as they need to maintain performance under a variety of temperature and humidity conditions.
Companies such as Ahlstrom have developed a series of patented technologies to produce self-sustaining pleated oil media with higher burst strength, which can also be applied to the manufacture of air filters.
After understanding the multifaceted applications and future development of cellulose fibers in air filtration technology, KLC will continue to deepen its air purification technology and continuously explore and develop more efficient and environmentally friendly air filtration solutions.
We are committed to applying the latest fiber technology to the innovation of air filters to meet the growing global demand for clean air and contribute to protecting our environment. With the continuous advancement of technology, we look forward to bringing more breakthrough results to the field of air purification in the future.