| abstract |
A filter media system, which is capable of operating in the microfiltration regime, offers: low cost, durability, high temperature and chemical resistance, no particulation, mechanical strength, separation efficiency, and biocompatibility. The filter media system comprises a fibrous substrate (1) of at least one of carbon and ceramic fibers, wherein an array of carbon or ceramic fiber whiskers (2) have been grown onto the fibrous substrate (1), without prior densification of the fibrous substrate (1). A process is provided for manufacturing the filter media system comprising: providing at least one of carbon or ceramic fibers, treating the fibers with an aqueous solution of metal catalyst salt, heating the treated fibers in hydrogen at elevated temperatures to reduce the metal salt to metal, and initiating whisker growth on the surface of the fibers or in the bulk of the catalyst deposited fibrous substrate such as by decomposition of methane gas using metal catalyzed chemical vapor deposition. |