Development and surface characterization of positively charged filters

Filter media, which have been surface charge modified by modifiers with positive functional groups, are termed positively charged filters. The main aim of the present work was to manufacture positively charged filters for capturing negatively charged particles, mainly bacteria and virus from water. Filters were manufactured with varying ratios of base materials, processing conditions and charge modifiers. Experimental parameters were varied in order to attain filters with a high zeta potential to increase the filtration efficiency. A positive zeta potential of 42.56 mV has been attained with a charge modifier percentage of 100%, a stirring time of 30 minu., vacuum pressure of 15 cm Hg. Statistical analysis was performed to find the most significant parameter for positive charge modification. C 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.