Surface modified filter media

Abstract

Surface modified filter media, including surface modified filter media having enhanced performance characteristics, are provided. In some embodiments, a filter media may comprise two or more layers designed to enhance fluid separation efficiency. One or more of the layers may have at least a portion of a surface that is modified to alter and/or enhance the wettability of the surface with respect to a particular fluid. In certain embodiments involving a filter media including more than one surface modified layer, at least one surface modified layer may have a greater air permeability and/or mean flow pore size than that of another surface modified layer. Such a configuration of layers may result in the media having enhanced fluid separation properties compared to filter media that do not include such modified layers or configuration of layers, all other factors being equal. The filter media may be well-suited for a variety of applications, including filtering fuel, air, and lube oil.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A filter media comprising:
 a non-woven web, comprising:   a first layer comprising a first surface having a first surface roughness,   wherein the first layer has a basis weight between 0.1 g/m 2  and 100 g/m 2 , a thickness between 0.05 mm and 3 mm, and an air permeability between 0.3 CFM and 800 CFM; and   a second layer comprising a second surface having a second surface roughness, wherein the second surface roughness is greater than the first surface roughness, and wherein the second surface has a contact angle of greater than 90° when measured by ASTM D5946-04, and   wherein the second layer has a basis weight between 0.1 g/m 2  and 100 g/m 2 , a thickness between 0.05 mm and 3 mm, and an air permeability between 0.3 CFM and 800 CFM.