Optimization and predictive modelling for the diameter of nylon-6,6 nanofibers via electrospinning for coronavirus face masks

Abstract

Currently, the only widely available tool for controlling the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is nonpharmacological interventions (NPIs). Coronavirus aerosols are around 0.3–2 µm in diameter (0.9 m in mass). The present study used artificial intelligence such as gene expression programming (GEP) and genetic algorithms (GA) were used to predict and optimize the diameter of Nylon-6,6 nanofibers via electrospinning for protection against coronavirus. It is suggested that using the controlled experimental conditions such as concentration of nylon-6,6 (16% wt/v), applied voltage (26 kV), working distance (18 cm) and injection rate (0.2 mL/h) have resulted the diameter of nylon-6,6 nanofibers about 55.8 nm. Coronavirus face masks could use the obtained diameter and electrostatic interaction between viral particles and naofibers as active layers.

Keywords

• Nylon
• Nanofiber
• Electrospinning
• Coronavirus
• Gene expression programming
• Genetic