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Abstract
Studies on the functionalization of materials used for the construction of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) relate to endowing fibers with biocidal properties. There is also a real need for reducing moisture content accumulating in such materials during FFR use, as it would lead to decreased microorganism survival. Thus, in our study, we propose the use of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), together with a biocidal agent (biohalloysite), as additives in the manufacturing of polypropylene/polyester (PP/PET) multifunctional filtering material (MFM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the MFM for stability of the modifier’s attachment to the polymer matrix, the degree of survival of microorganisms on the nonwoven, and its microorganism filtration efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to test the stability of the modifier’s attachment. The filtration efficiency was determined under conditions of dynamic aerosol flow of S. aureus bacteria. The survival rates (N%) of the following microorganisms were assessed: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, Candida albicans yeast, and Aspergillus niger mold using the AATCC 100-2004 method. FTIR spectrum analysis confirmed the pre-established composition of MFM. The loss of the active substance from MFM in simulated conditions of use did not exceed 0.02%, which validated the stability of the modifier’s attachment to the PP/PET fiber structure. SEM image analysis verified the uniformity of the MFM structure. Lower microorganism survival rates were detected for S. aureus, C. albicans, and E. coli on the MFM nonwoven compared to control samples that did not contain the modifiers. However, the MFM did not inhibit A. niger growth. The MFM also showed high filtration efficiency (99.86%) against S. aureus bacteria.
Highlights
Staff at many workplaces may be exposed to harmful aerosols [1,2,3,4,5]
The aim of our research was to assess the effectiveness of functional additives (biocidal halloysite (BH) and superabsorbent polymers (SAPs)) in the reduction of microorganisms’ survival on multifunctional filtering materials (MFM) used in filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs)
Micobiocide-N750-containing quaternary ammonium salts or compounds (QACs) were used as nonwoven modifiers in the studies by Gliścińska et al [43]. They obtained high antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and slightly lower for E. coli at a biocide concentration of 1.5%, which is consistent with the results presented in this study
Summary
Staff at many workplaces may be exposed to harmful aerosols [1,2,3,4,5]. A characteristic feature of biological hazards is their variability over time. Pathogenic microorganisms undergo constant changes, evolution, and selection. For this reason, the correct selection of personal protection equipment (PPE) is an important issue because, very often, it is not possible to implement systemic solutions in the work environment. The use of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) as a protection against bioaerosols is common [6,7,8,9,10,11].
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