A filter element and methods of use and forming are provided. The filter element provides water coalescing and separation functions downstream from particulate filtration functions. At least the coalescing stage of the filter element may be glass free. The coalescing stage may have density graded media to accommodate increase water droplet size due to water coalescing.

A high performance media for filtration and other applications uses specially designed binder fibers, wherein the filter media uses higher strength binder fibers to provide the media with high efficiency, high permeability, and high dirt holding capacity while also providing higher strength and stability during process and use.

Disclosed herein is a molecular imprinted protective face mask comprising a supportive structure, a surface material that receives and retains a molecular imprint and that is positioned to contact airborne molecules during use, a molecular imprint of a bioactive molecule wherein an imprinted cavity is at least one of a bioactive molecule with a molecular configuration that captures a specific airborne and/or microdroplet-borne molecule and a protein with a binding site that captures a specific molecule.

Filter media comprising fibrillated fibers and glass fibers are generally described.

Disclosed herein is a molecular imprinted protective face mask comprising a supportive structure, a surface material that receives and retains a molecular imprint and that is positioned to contact airborne molecules during use, a molecular imprint of a bioactive molecule wherein an imprinted cavity is at least one of a bioactive molecule with a molecular configuration that captures a specific airborne and/or microdroplet-borne molecule and a protein with a binding site that captures a specific molecule.

A gradient density filter element, and associated method, and an associated apparatus are provided. The gradient density filter element includes a gradient density filter media formed via compression during winding of a layer of filter media into a cylindrical roll.

Filter media comprising adsorptive particles are generally described. In some embodiments, the adsorptive particles are present in a relatively large amount, in a layer discrete from one or more other layers and/or fiber webs also present in the filter media, and/or in a layer that comprises a relatively low amount of fibers. In some embodiments, the filter media further comprises a non-woven fiber web comprising fibers with relatively small diameters.

Filter media, including those suitable for hydraulic, fuel, HVAC, HEPA, and/or other applications, and related methods are provided. In some embodiments, a filter media described herein may include a layer (e.g., a fine fiber layer) comprising a plurality of fibers comprising polyamide 11. In some embodiments, a filter media comprises a layer (e.g., a fine fiber layer) comprising a plurality of electrospun fibers comprising a material having one or more advantageous properties. In an exemplary set of embodiments, the plurality of fibers comprise polyamide 11 (e.g., Nylon 11). In some embodiments, the polyamide 11 fibers are produced by an electrospinning process.

Disclosed herein is a COVID-19 surveillance method for detecting exhaled virions trapped within used face masks. This is a surveillance and warning system for identifying asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic individuals, particularly essential workers required to wear masks while at work. This can include healthcare workers, first responders, nursing home personnel, postal workers, or employees at meat packing and other production facilities. A piece of filter paper can be added to the inside of a standard face mask, which can be removed at the end of a shift. Mask inserts from a group of employees can be pooled and tested using standard RT-PCR for virions collected during normal exhalation over the time the mask is worn. As envisioned, if the group test is positive, additional follow-up or contact tracing could be initiated to identify the individual or individuals requiring treatment or quarantine.

The present application relates to a polypropylene with high melt flow index and a method for producing the same, and meltblown fiber fabrics. A reacting mixture is firstly provided, and a polymerization process is performed to the reacting mixture in a slurry reaction system to obtain the polypropylene. The reacting mixture includes propylene monomers, Ziegler-Natta catalysts, organoaluminum compounds and electron donor. The polypropylene has high melt flow index and adjustable melting point and molecular weight distribution, such that it is used to produce the meltblown fiber fabrics.