Advancements in Research and Applications of PP-Based Materials Utilizing Melt-Blown Nonwoven Technology

Melt-blown nonwoven materials have demonstrated significant advancements in a multitude of industrial sectors, mainly due to their high production efficiency, extensive specific surface area, and narrow aperture. The demand for melt-blown nonwoven materials has increased further in recent time, particularly in the wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Polypropylene (PP) is extensively used in production and research due to its low cost, low weight, and easy processing, and the melt-blown materials made from it share similar characteristics. We systematically summarize the research advancements of melt-blown nonwoven technology and applications of PP-based melt-blown materials over the last few years. First, the principles and processes of melt-blown nonwoven that govern the production of micro/nano fibers are described. Then the raw materials and process technology of melt-blown are reviewed. After these, we highlight the use of PP-based melt-blown materials in key fields, including media filtration, oil-water separation, heavy metal ions removal, organic pollutants removal and battery separator. Finally, we summary and suggest some potential future research directions of melt-blown nonwoven technology and PP-based melt-blown materials.