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SPOTLIGHT: Laszlo Horvath
Laszlo Horvath, Ph.D. Professional Member Blacksburg, VA You might say the love of all things wood comes naturally to TAPPI member Laszlo Horvath, Ph.D. He grew up in his father’s small furniture
Webinars
Data-Driven Decision Making with Process Analytics - Making sense of big data in the pulp and paper industry
Data-Driven Decision Making with Process Analytics - Making sense of big data in the pulp and paper industry This webinar aims to establish best practices for data-driven decision-making in the pulp
Filtration efficiency and breathability of selected face masks, TAPPI Journal September 2023
ABSTRACT: Face masks have been used as physical barriers to stop respiratory infections for many years. Due to insufficient and low supply of certified masks, alternative face covers such as face shields, neck gaiters, and fabric reusable masks gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, for these alternate face masks to fulfill their intended function, they must be effective. Additionally, the level of breathability provided by the makeshift masks must be at a certain level. The work reported in this paper was carried out to determine the relationship between filtration efficiency (FE), breathability, and important physical characteristics of mask substrates. The fiber diameter of the core filter layer was determined using a scanning electron microscope. Five types of face masks (two types of N95, two types of surgical masks, and a 100% knitted cotton fabric) were tested for their FE and breathability using moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR). The cotton knitted mask had the lowest FE (5.10%•26.47%), while the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-certified N95 mask had the highest FE values (92.10%•99.65%). However, the cotton mask outperformed the N95 in terms of the pressure drop, meaning higher comfort. In general, the N95 face mask provided the best protection against aerosolized particles. According to the regression analysis, the fiber diameter of the mask filter substrate serves as an important predictor of FE of mask substrates. In this study, it was confirmed that fiber diameter is inversely related to the filtration ability. Results show that compact structure with finer fibers will enable higher filtration efficiency. The study lends itself to developing layered face masks to obtain optimum filters with good filtration, better fit, and acceptable comfort for the wearer.
More Than Defect Detection-The Real Value of Web Inspection, 2005 PLACE Conference
More Than Defect Detection-The Real Value of Web Inspection, 2005 PLACE Conference
Modeling of Paper Stain in a Calender Nip, 1998 Finishing and Converting Conference Proceedings
Modeling of Paper Stain in a Calender Nip, 1998 Finishing and Converting Conference Proceedings
Application of Selected Microbial Formulations for Enhancing BOD Removal and Residence Time Studies, 1992 Environmental Conference Proceedings
Application of Selected Microbial Formulations for Enhancing BOD Removal and Residence Time Studies, 1992 Environmental Conference Proceedings
From Wastepaper to Paper, 1993 Engineering Conference Proceedings
From Wastepaper to Paper, 1993 Engineering Conference Proceedings
Wax Removal for Recycling Waxed OCC, 1997 Recycling Symposium Proceedings
Wax Removal for Recycling Waxed OCC, 1997 Recycling Symposium Proceedings
The Mechanism of Premixing Process for Rosin Sizes under Neutral-Alkaline Papermaking, 2004 Paper Summit, Spring Technical & International Environmental Conference, (including Papermakers; Process Control, Electrical & Information; Product & Product Quali
The Mechanism of Premixing Process for Rosin Sizes under Neutral-Alkaline Papermaking, 2004 Paper Summit, Spring Technical & International Environmental Conference, (including Papermakers; Process Control, Electrical & Information; Product & Product Quali
Flakt Trimco Trim-Conveying System, 1990 TAPPI Conference Proceedings
Flakt Trimco Trim-Conveying System, 1990 TAPPI Conference Proceedings