The SiOx barrier nanocoatings have been prepared on selected polymer matrices to increase their resistance against permeation of toxic substances. The aim has been to find out whether the method of vacuum plasma deposition of SiOx barrier nanocoatings on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foil used by Aluminium Company of Canada (ALCAN) company (ALCAN Packaging Kreuzlingen AG (SA/Ltd., Kreuzlingen, Switzerland) within the production of CERAMIS® packaging materials with barrier properties can also be used to increase the resistance of foils from other polymers against the permeation of organic solvents and other toxic liquids. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) microstructure of SiOx nanocoatings prepared by thermal deposition from SiO in vacuum by the Plasma Assisted Physical Vapour Deposition (PA-PVD) method or vacuum deposition of hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) by the Plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) method have been studied. The microstructure and behavior of samples when exposed to a liquid test substance in relation to the barrier properties is described.

The article deals with the preparation and possibilities of using combined filtration sorption systems usable for the construction of folded filters or respirators. The studied materials are made of several structural layers—a filter membrane made of polymeric nanofibers, an adsorbent containing active carbon or porous silicon dioxide nanofibers, and a supporting or cover nonwoven bicomponent fabric. The layers are connected only by pressure at an elevated temperature without the use of binders, according to utility model PUV 31 375. The result is a compact fabric material of textile character with a high permeability, good mechanical resistance, which effectively catches the submicron particles and the gases of the organic substances. The prepared samples of the filter sorptive material have been evaluated not only from the point of view of morphology and microstructure, but also from the point of view of the capture of pollutants.

Currently, setting the obligation to use respiratory protective equipment with a level of protection of at least FFP2 in public transport and commercial and shopping centers are considered within the European Union. Many new products appeared on the European market within these specifications, and many symbols have been used. The paper deals with the meaning of selected respiratory protection based on respirators symbols and markings (which appeared massively, especially after the pandemic situation in the spring of 2020), these symbols not being uniformly understood and well communicated. We also mention and discuss some of the problems related to setting the conditions of public procurement, which affect respirators. Thus, this review is an “informative guide” in facilitating the understanding and use of full knowledge of the most appropriate respiratory protective devices in various situations.

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