Modified Polymer Materials for Use in Selected Personal Protective Equipment Products

Abstract

The paper discusses the methods of modification of melt-blown polymer materials by the addition of a bactericidal agent or superabsorbent directly to the fibre-forming area during the melt-blown production process. It also presents tests of textile composites designed for use in selected types of personal protective equipment worn in the workplace. One example of the application of textile composites is the protective footwear insole. The insole composites contain specially developed variants of melt-blown nonwovens made from PP, PC, and PA fibres. Microbiological, hygienic, and mechanical tests have shown that the optimum insoles for all-rubber protective footwear are those made of bioactive composites containing a PC melt-blown nonwoven. Another example of composite application is the air-purifying half mask. Filter composites contain polymer nonwovens with the addition of different quantities of a superabsorbent. They have been tested for particle penetration, airflow resistance, and moisture sorption.

Additive manufacturing for COVID-19: Devices, materials, prospects, and challenges

“…For the insoles, meltblown nonwoven PP, PC, or PA is usually used. [18] Overview of AM AM introduction AM, commonly called 3D printing, is an advanced fabrication method in which three-dimensional objects are created by depositing the material in a series of successive thin layers. [25] Figure 2(a) illustrates the major steps of AM.…”

Experimental Investigation of the Wettability of Protective Glove Materials: A Biomimetic Perspective

“…Over the past years, the dynamic development of polymeric materials has fueled efforts to design new application solutions in personal protective equipment (PPE) [1,2]. In turn, the emergence of new hazards in the workplace and the necessity to better adapt PPE to the individual needs of users has motivated research that is focused on the implementation of innovative technologies and materials in that respect [3][4][5].…”

The Covalent Tethering of Poly(ethylene glycol) to Nylon 6 Surface via N,N′-Disuccinimidyl Carbonate Conjugation: A New Approach in the Fight against Pathogenic Bacteria

“…Nylon is used as a PPE material [ 21 ]. Suitable surface modifications may improve the performance of polyamide as a PPE biomaterial [ 22 ]. The surface of nylon is commonly modified by plasma treatment to immobilize the PEG chains [ 23 ].…”