Abstract
<h3>Abstract</h3> Due to the ongoing pandemic, various types of facemasks such as N-95, surgical mask and cloth masks are being used as an essential protective measure. The filtration efficiency of these masks were tested before and after sterilization by different methods for two flow rates conditions corresponding to normal breathe rate (20 lpm) and during sneezing (90 lpm). Sterilization techniques used here are autoclaving (30 and 60 minutes), dry oven heating (30 and 60 minutes), gamma irradiation (15 and 25 kGy), hot water washing with and without detergent and immersing in 10% concentration of liquid hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes. As expected, the N-95 is the greatest filtering efficiency among all the other type face masks. The best method to sterilize N-95 masks without affecting its performance is by using dry heat with temperature ranging from 70-80°C. The cloth masks and surgical mask are performed more or less same for both flow conditions. As an affordable sterilization method hot water washing is highly recommended which does not deteriorate the efficiency of the masks and can be used for the general public. The use of double or triple layer cotton cloth masks in the general public serves fit for the purpose than surgical masks. The surgical mask can be sterilized only few times with the help of dry heat, hot water wash and/or autoclave.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
