3D-Printed PLA Mesh Filters 90% of Microplastics From Water
A paper in Separation and Purification Technology describes a multi-layer PLA filter whose PEG spheres are etched out with 80°C water to trap micro- and nanoplastics.
A paper in Separation and Purification Technology describes a low-cost, 3D-printed filtration mesh that removes up to 90% of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) from water, according to hackaday.com.
The prototype uses a multi-layer filtration system printed in PLA. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is mixed in as a sacrificial additive; once the part is printed, the PEG spheres inside it are etched away with hot water at 80°C, leaving a porous structure behind.
The authors report that the PLA-PEG10 sample gave the best porous structure while still holding its shape. Stacking 20 layers of the filters produced a filtration efficiency of 90%.
Open questions
The paper states that improving the system and its potential reusability still have to be investigated. No release date, price or commercial product is mentioned.
Earlier coverage has examined how little is known about how many MNPs are inside the human body, and how lab gloves may contaminate test results.
Quick answers
How much micro- and nanoplastic does the 3D-printed filter remove?
With 20 layers of the filter, the paper reports a filtration efficiency of 90%.
How is the filter made porous?
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is used as a sacrificial additive in PLA, and the PEG spheres are etched away using hot water at 80°C.
Is the filter available to buy?
No. The work is a prototype described in Separation and Purification Technology, and the authors say improving the system and potential reusability still have to be investigated.