Improvement of protective and comfort properties of face masks using superabsorbent polymer containing nanofibers

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce a novel face mask prototype having a superabsorbent nanofibrous coating with a homogenous distribution. Design/methodology/approach Superabsorbent nanofibers were manufactured via electrospinning method using Poly(vinyl alcohol)/superabsorbent polymer (PVA/SAP) aqueous polymer solutions and they were simultaneously coated onto face masks in order to develop their virus protection and comfort properties. Absorbency, air permeability, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and SEM investigations were carried out for characterization. Findings SEM investigations revealed that face masks were homogenously coated with nanofibers. Picks obtained from FT-IR spectra proved that all mask samples have PVA/SAP content indicating their absorbent feature. Liquid absorption capacity and air permeability tests have shown that nanofiber coating increased the hydrophilicity of face masks while air permeability decreased in reverse. Final prototype has been found to be promising for industrial, scientific and medical applications with its improved protection and comfort characteristics. Research limitations/implications The implication of the research is to investigate the morphological, physical and transfer difference of face masks that are coated with nanofibers and uncoated face masks. This is useful in selection of the right face mask with optimum surface, absorbency and transfer properties. Originality/value Compared to commercial product in the market, the face mask developed within the study has a more regularly distributed nanofiber coating.

Biodegradable and multifunctional surgical face masks: A brief review on demands during COVID-19 pandemic, recent developments, and future perspectives

“…2 SEM images of nonwoven composite structures in surgical face mask applications; the approximate scale bar added for better comparison. a) PP spunbond (S) ( Nanjundappa and Bhat, 2005 ), b) PBT meltblown (M) ( Ellison et al, 2007 ), c) PVA electrospun (E) ( Oktay et al, 2014 ), d) PVA/SAP spunbond-electrospun (SE) ( Sivri, 2018 ), e) PCL meltblown-electrospun (ME) ( Erben et al, 2016 ), and f) Hydroentangled spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) ( Mukhopadhyay, 2014 ), g) Schematic example of commercial face masks structure: surgical face masks and respirators. …”

“… Absorb the sweat in the vapor form without transforming into liquid (using superabsorbent polymer). ( Garibaldi et al, 2019 ; He et al, 2020 ; Lee et al, 2020 ; Sivri, 2018 ; Swennen et al, 2020 ; Yang et al, 2017 ) 4 Electrostatic properties Recharging and rejuvenation of used or disinfected surgical face masks, increasing the effective use time of disposable face mask. ( Hossain et al, 2020 ; Wang et al, 2020 ) 5 Special high performance filtering layers Increases the filtration efficiency (nanofiber, hollow fiber, carbon nanotubes, activated carbon, graphene).…”

“…Surgical face masks comfort characteristics call for optimal liquid absorption capacities, air and water vapor permeability, design, and wearing properties especially for people with breathing issues ( Lee et al, 2020 ; Sivri, 2018 ; Yang et al, 2017 ). Face masks comfort and performance depend on various parameters such as the nature of the textile, fiber diameter, special surface treatments and finishes, fitting performance, microclimate, number of layers or thickness ( Lee et al, 2020 ; Sivri, 2018 ), and their composition (such as the presence of high surface area activated carbons) ( Konda et al, 2020 ). Increasing the absorption capacity of such face masks can further enhance their comfort by absorbing the sweat in the vapor form without transforming it into liquid ( Sivri, 2018 ).…”

Nanofiber-Based Face Masks and Respirators as COVID-19 Protection: A Review

“…It was found that all face masks were successfully coated with nanofiber, according to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) investigations and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Air permeability and capacity to absorb liquids showed that the coating with nanofiber improved the face mask’s hydrophilicity while permeability of air decreased reversely [ 88 ].…”

Trends in Surgical and Beauty Masks for a Cleaner Environment

“…Obviously the selected active ingredients, which can be used to modify the non-woven fibers and the electrospun polymers, have to be different from those used for the SFMs. The market has been categorized by different companies not only in terms of the economic turnover, size, trends and future challenges of the masks, but also for the raw materials (cotton, polypropylene, paper and others) and the different layers used for their production [12][13][14]. These research studies cover woven and non-woven masks, protective for dust or microorganisms, respectively.…”