Which factor contributes to the efficiency of a mechanical filter?

The efficiency of a mechanical filter is notably enhanced by the presence of an electrostatic charge. Electrostatic filters leverage the principles of electrostatic attraction to capture particles more effectively than standard mechanical filtration methods alone. When particles pass through such a filter, the electrostatic charge allows it to attract and trap more impurities, including smaller particles that might otherwise pass through without being captured. This increased capture rate leads to improved air quality and filtration efficiency.

Other factors listed, like material thickness, can play a role, but they do not inherently enhance the filtration efficiency as significantly as electrostatic charges do. While temperature differences and the type of airflow can affect filtration performance, they do not directly contribute to the inherent efficiency of the mechanical filtering process in the same way that the presence of an electrostatic charge does.