PM0.3 Fine Dust Filter Core from PVDF Plastic Tubes - A Green Startup Idea by Students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU)
The “TDTU student startup idea competition for the 2025 - 2026 academic year” was organized with the aim of fostering innovation and entrepreneurial thinking among students. This year, the competition attracted more than 200 students with 43 projects from 14 faculties and the Khanh Hoa Campus, spanning five key fields: industry and product manufacturing; education, tourism, services, and finance; healthcare, wellness and beauty technology; social impact entrepreneurship and sports business. Beyond being an academic forum, the competition serves as a launchpad for TDTU students’ creative ideas to gradually approach real-world applications and entrepreneurial opportunities.
A green startup footprint by students of the Faculty of Applied Sciences, TDTU
Amid growing concerns over air pollution as a serious threat to public health - particularly the increasing concentration of PM0.3 fine particulate matter - a group of students from the Faculty of Applied Sciences, including Ngo Van Tien, Nguyen Minh Nguyet, Phan Thi Ngoc Linh and Nguyen Van Sy, introduced a highly promising solution through their project “PM0.3 Fine Dust Filter Core from PVDF Plastic Tubes Using Electrospinning Technology”. The project not only demonstrates innovative scientific thinking but also made a strong impression by winning the Third Prize at the TDTU student startup idea competition for the 2025 - 2026 academic year.
A technological solution to a dual environmental challenge
With a solid academic background and a strong commitment to research, the team pursued the development of a product that is both scientifically grounded and oriented toward community benefit and environmental protection.
According to the research team, PM0.3 fine dust consists of ultrafine particles (approximately 0.3 micrometers in size) that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, causing serious health consequences. At the same time, plastic waste - particularly technical plastics - has become an increasingly pressing environmental issue. Motivated by the desire to address both challenges simultaneously, the team developed a PM0.3 air filter core made from recycled PVDF plastic tubes, regenerated using electrospinning technology. This technology enables the creation of ultra - fine nanofiber membranes, significantly increasing surface contact area and markedly enhancing dust filtration efficiency.
The product is composed of high - performance HEPA filter membranes and can be flexibly applied in various environments such as residential spaces, buildings, laboratories, and manufacturing facilities - settings that require strict air quality standards. Notably, the PM0.3 fine dust filtration efficiency of the filter core reaches up to 99.9999%, as tested and certified by SGS Testing Center, thereby confirming the product’s scientific validity, reliability, and strong potential for practical application.
The project was developed based on the team’s previous research, during which the members identified the outstanding potential of PVDF material in air filtration applications. Throughout the implementation process, the team received technical guidance from Dr. Tran Hoai Khang, Lecturer at the Faculty of Applied Sciences, TDTU, and business mentorship from Ms. Vo Thi My Duyen, M.A., Training Director of VTALK Academy, helping the project achieve comprehensive development in both technological aspects and entrepreneurial orientation.
Sharing insights on their journey in the competition and future expectations for the project, team representative Ngo Van Tien stated: “In the coming period, our team aims to collaborate with air purifier manufacturers to gradually supply HEPA filter membranes to partners both domestically and internationally. At the same time, we plan to invest in expanding equipment capacity to increase productivity, leveraging our advantage in designing and fabricating electrospinning machines - the core technology in nanofiber membrane production. Participating in this year’s competition, we clearly experienced its professionalism, fairness, and high level of competitiveness. There were many high-quality project and winning the Third Prize reflects the serious efforts of our entire team”.
A stepping stone toward a sustainable startup journey
The award not only recognizes the dedicated efforts of the student team but also highlights the strong potential of startup projects originating from the university environment. The PM0.3 fine dust filter core made from recycled PVDF plastic is expected to undergo further research and refinement toward commercialization, contributing to improved air quality while promoting circular economy models and sustainable development.
