Search
Use the search bar or filters below to find any TAPPI product or publication.
Filters
Content Type
Publications
Level of Knowledge
Committees
Collections
Journal articles
Magazine articles
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.
Journal articles
Current Pulp Production in Japan and its Research and Techno
Current Pulp Production in Japan and its Research and Technological Topics, 1994 International Pan Pacific Conference Proceedings
Journal articles
Progressive Deformation at the Crack Tip in Paper During Mod
Progressive Deformation at the Crack Tip in Paper During Mode 1 Fracture (Part 1 Bond Paper), 1991 International Paper Physics Conference Proceedings
Journal articles
CTMP in Fine Papers: On-Machine Surface Treatments for Impro
CTMP in Fine Papers: On-Machine Surface Treatments for Improved Brightness Stability, 1991 Papermakers Conference Proceedings
PCEI9117
Role of Quality Implementation in Mill Decision Systems, 1991 Process Control, Electrical & Info. Conference Proceedings
Journal articles
On-Line Basis Weight Gauging and Control System for the Manu
On-Line Basis Weight Gauging and Control System for the Manufacture of Moist Towelettes, 1991 Nonwovens Conference Proceedings
Journal articles
Critical Process Variables in the White Water System that Af
Critical Process Variables in the White Water System that Affect Glass Fiber Dispersion, 1993 Nonwovens Conference Proceedings
Journal articles
Studies of Anisotropic Permeability with Applications to Wat
Studies of Anisotropic Permeability with Applications to Water Removal in Fibrous Webs, 1992 Nonwovens Conference Proceedings
Journal articles
Antioxidants for viscosity and color stabilization of hot-me
Antioxidants for viscosity and color stabilization of hot-melt adhesives, TAPPI JOURNAL, September 1996, Vol. 79(9)
Journal articles
Interactions between melt nature and pretreatments: keys to
Interactions between melt nature and pretreatments: keys to good adhesion, TAPPI JOURNAL, September 1996, Vol. 79(9)