Abstract:The emergence of a pandemic affecting the respiratory system has resulted in a significant demand for face masks. Masks have always been mentioned as an effective tool against environmental threats. This includes the use of double masks by large sections of the public, as can be seen during the current global spread of COVID-19. However, there is limited knowledge available on the performance of the various commonly available double face masks used. In this study, we have compared the performance of single and… Show more
“…This could be attributed to the absence of electrostatic mechanisms in PVA, PBAT, and PLA filter inserts because the particles in the range of <300 nm can penetrate through the meshes of the electrospun non‐woven, whereas the commercial grade N95 respirators have electrostatic charges along with the combination of interception, diffusion and impaction resulting in filtration efficiencies of >95% 5,40 . The lower filtration efficiency can also be because of the loose fit of the cloth‐based facemask that allows more penetration from the sides of the facemask 8 …”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The top and bottom layers comprise spun bond polymers, whereas the middle filter layer includes a melt‐blown polymer layer 7 . The presently available facemask has excellent filtration efficiencies of more than 95%, sufficient for protecting and preventing virus‐laden aerosols 8,9 . However, these facemasks are generally made with petroleum‐based polymers such as polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and polyester polymers 10 .…”
The elevated use of petroleum‐based polymers to manufacture single‐use disposable face masks is a serious environmental concern that has detrimental effects on the ecosystem. The research on using biodegradable facemasks is promising to reduce the environmental impacts of the single‐use non‐degradable facemask. A reusable cloth‐based facemask with effective filtration could benefit society. Many studies suggest polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and polylactic acid (PLA) as viable biopolymers for facemask filter layer fabrication. In this work, an electrospun filter layer inserts with PVA, PBAT, and PLA polymers were produced by depositing electrospun nanofibers on non‐woven cotton layers followed by conventional sealing. The fabricated filter inserts were used in cloth‐based facemasks and were tested for filtration efficiencies and breathability. PVA facemask insert showed the best performance with 66.7% filtration efficiency and breathability of 0.66 m bar, whereas the lowest filtration efficiency was found for PBAT electrospun filter medium. The relation between filter membrane morphology and facemask performance indicates that a smaller diameter and uniform morphology results in better filtration and breathability of the facemask filter inserts.Highlights
Petroleum‐based facemasks harm ecosystems.
Biodegradable facemasks reduce environmental impact.
Electrospun nanofibers of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate, and polylactic acid on cotton.
PVA insert showed 66.7% filtration and 0.66 m bar breathability.
Smaller, uniform fibers enhance filtration and breathability.
“…This could be attributed to the absence of electrostatic mechanisms in PVA, PBAT, and PLA filter inserts because the particles in the range of <300 nm can penetrate through the meshes of the electrospun non‐woven, whereas the commercial grade N95 respirators have electrostatic charges along with the combination of interception, diffusion and impaction resulting in filtration efficiencies of >95% 5,40 . The lower filtration efficiency can also be because of the loose fit of the cloth‐based facemask that allows more penetration from the sides of the facemask 8 …”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The top and bottom layers comprise spun bond polymers, whereas the middle filter layer includes a melt‐blown polymer layer 7 . The presently available facemask has excellent filtration efficiencies of more than 95%, sufficient for protecting and preventing virus‐laden aerosols 8,9 . However, these facemasks are generally made with petroleum‐based polymers such as polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and polyester polymers 10 .…”
The elevated use of petroleum‐based polymers to manufacture single‐use disposable face masks is a serious environmental concern that has detrimental effects on the ecosystem. The research on using biodegradable facemasks is promising to reduce the environmental impacts of the single‐use non‐degradable facemask. A reusable cloth‐based facemask with effective filtration could benefit society. Many studies suggest polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and polylactic acid (PLA) as viable biopolymers for facemask filter layer fabrication. In this work, an electrospun filter layer inserts with PVA, PBAT, and PLA polymers were produced by depositing electrospun nanofibers on non‐woven cotton layers followed by conventional sealing. The fabricated filter inserts were used in cloth‐based facemasks and were tested for filtration efficiencies and breathability. PVA facemask insert showed the best performance with 66.7% filtration efficiency and breathability of 0.66 m bar, whereas the lowest filtration efficiency was found for PBAT electrospun filter medium. The relation between filter membrane morphology and facemask performance indicates that a smaller diameter and uniform morphology results in better filtration and breathability of the facemask filter inserts.Highlights
Petroleum‐based facemasks harm ecosystems.
Biodegradable facemasks reduce environmental impact.
Electrospun nanofibers of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate, and polylactic acid on cotton.
PVA insert showed 66.7% filtration and 0.66 m bar breathability.
Smaller, uniform fibers enhance filtration and breathability.
“…28 Also double masking has also proved to be improve the filtration efficiency as compared to single masking. 29 Figure 5.(a) Schematic of TPS instrument (b) Demonstration of different mask types. 3 (c) Distance travelled by a human sneeze.…”
Section: Importance and Efficiencies Of Facemask For Virus Containmentmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…28 Also double masking has also proved to be improve the filtration efficiency as compared to single masking. 29 It is worth mentioning that there are few experts who are not in the favor of using facemasks. Their arguments are based on the logic that the public will not be able to be compliant with the facemask for longer periods, along with issues related to proper disposal and safe facemask use.…”
Section: Importance and Efficiencies Of Facemask For Virus Containmentmentioning
The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is currently the biggest threat to human lives due to its rapid transmission rate causing severe damage to human health and economy. The transmission of viral diseases can be minimized at its early stages with proper planning and preventive practices. The use of facemask has proved to be most effective measure to curb the spread of virus along with social distancing and good hygiene practices. This necessitates more research on facemask technology to increase its filtration efficiencies and proper disposal, which can be accelerated with knowledge of the current manufacturing process and recent research in this field. This review article provides an overview of the importance of facemask, fundamentals of nonwoven fabrics, and its manufacturing process. It also covers topics related to recent research reported for improved facemask efficiencies and testing methods to evaluate the performance of facemask. The plastic waste associated with the facemask and measures to minimize its effect are also briefly described. A systematic understanding is given in order to trigger future research in this field to ensure that we are well equipped for any future pandemic.
“…Therefore, the transmission of Covid-19 virus can occur by direct contact with an infected person or indirectly through an object already infected with the virus ( 1 ). This viral transmission led to the use of facemasks as an appropriate tool to combat environmental risks ( 3 ) and to avoid viral respiratory diseases like Sars-Cov-2 ( 1 ). Reusable knitted fabric masks are among the most used masks during the mask shortage.…”
Background and Objectives: Adhesion of microorganisms on facemask surfaces is a major problem that produces contam- ination of the mask wearer either by inhalation or by direct contact. Generally, physicochemical properties of the material and the microorganism are responsible for this adhesion and are also reported to influence the filtration efficiency of face- masks. However, theses surface proprieties and their effect on particles attachment on facemask materials remain poorly documented. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physicochemical properties of seven facemasks and evaluate the influence of these characteristics on the adhesion of Sataphylococcus aureus.
Materials and Methods: Physicochemical properties is done by contact angle method and scanning electron microscopy while theoretical adhesion of S. aureus is done according to XDLVO approach.
Results: The obtained results showed that all masks have a hydrophobic character. The electron donor and electron acceptor parameters change depending on each mask. Chemical analysis demonstrates the presence of two chemical elements (car- bon and oxygen). Predictive adhesion demonstrate that S. aureus has an attractive behavior towards the masks used but the potential of adhesion is not the same.
Conclusion: Such information is valuable to understand attachment of biological particles and to contribute in the inhibition of this attachment.
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