"Donaldson uses a proprietary electrospinning process to form a thin web for use in filtration. The small fibers, when properly arranged into a web, create pores that capture contaminants while allowing flow of a gas or liquid through the web."
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By: ttggggtt0
25 Feb 2004, 11:03 PM EST
Msg. 76 of 77
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Electrospinning machines, continued: Here it is from a Dec. 9 2003 USGA "Corporate Update':
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"The company is also in negotiations to acquire one of the only electro-spinning machines available worldwide for large-scale production of carbon and polymer-based nanofibers which will not only satisfy US Global's operational requirements but will also allow the company to provide their unique materials to universities and other research organizations worldwide."
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Are investors being baffled with B.S.? Mais oui!
ragingbull.lycos.com
Below please find the answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Donaldson nanofibers.
Q1: What is a nanofiber?
Broadly speaking, it’s a fiber with a diameter less than 1 micron. At Donaldson, we make nanofibers from polymeric materials with fiber diameters less than 0.5 microns (less than 500 nanometers).
Q2: How small are Donaldson’s nanofibers?
The typical fiber diameter is 200 – 500 times smaller than a human hair. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is needed to see an individual fiber. The photomicrographs on this web-site were taken with Donaldson’s SEM. Unlike other sub-micron fibers, which are short, Donaldson’s nanofibers are continuous and have an infinite aspect ratio.
Q3: How are nanofibers used?
Donaldson uses nanofibers for air filtration applications in industrial air filtration and pollution control and specialized filters for heavy duty vehicles and military tanks. Donaldson’s Ultra-Web® filters pioneered nanofiber usage in dust collection and Spider-Web® filters are industry leading in gas turbine filtration. Many other new applications are being developed, including technical fabrics, new air and liquid filtration applications, and non-woven applications requiring ultra-light weight, high permeability and/or high surface area. Please contact us to discuss your new application for nanofibers.
Q4: Why are the nanofibers put into a web structure?
Donaldson uses a proprietary electrospinning process to form a thin web for use in filtration. The small fibers, when properly arranged into a web, create pores that capture contaminants while allowing flow of a gas or liquid through the web. In some cases the web we create is only 1-2 nanofibers thick, making this the thinnest nanoweb known! Donaldson can control the web characteristics to make the fiber diameters and pore sizes suitable for a wide range of applications.
Q5: What are the nanofibers made of?
Our commercial nanofibers are made of polyamide (nylon) material. They have excellent material properties to withstand the rigors of filter manufacturing and harsh industrial applications. We have experience electrospinning several other materials and can discuss material options for your application.
Q6: How are the nanofibers made?
Donaldson makes nanofibers using proprietary electrospinning processes that have been developed and enhanced since the 1970’s. Every day, Donaldson makes tens of thousands of square meters of electrospun nanofiber filter media using several production machines.
Q7: Are nanofibers patented?
Yes, Donaldson’s nanofiber technologies are patented and patent pending in the U.S. and around the world.
Q8: I didn’t know that Donaldson manufactured filter media. Isn’t Donaldson Company primarily a filter systems manufacturer?
Yes, but … Filter media is the heart of any filtration system. Donaldson maintains a leadership position in filtration technology research and development. In cases like nanofiber products and Tetratex® PTFE membranes, we have developed proprietary filter media for some of the world’s most demanding filtration applications. This filter media technology differentiates Donaldson’s filtration systems from others that use commodity filter media. We also sell our proprietary nanofiber media and Tetratex® PTFE membranes for other applications where Donaldson doesn’t provide complete filtration systems.
Q9: What new applications exist for nanofibers?
Donaldson is forming technical and commercial relationships to develop and market nanofiber technology for a wide range of new applications, including HVAC and liquid filtration, highly permeable barrier fabrics, ultra-lightweight non-wovens applications, and as an enabling technology platform for in applications in medical, drug delivery and rheology modification. As the field of nanoscale materials and nanotechnology advance, several additional uses for nanofibers will emerge. Donaldson has research, pilot and production capabilities to support co-development projects. Contact us with your ideas for new nanofiber applications.
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