Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic of 2019 forced widespread use of face coverings as a mandatory step towards reducing infection by the virus. The face mask acts as a barrier for transmission of infected aerosols among its user and surrounding people. This has propelled pace of research and development of face masks around the world. This short review is an effort to present advances in materials and designs used for face masks. Details available in scientific literature and company brochures have been accessed and the use of nanomaterials and designs for the new generation of face masks have been discussed. Special attention was given to the face masks based on electrospun nanofiber-based membrane materials due to their nano-sized pores, light weight, and high filtration efficiency; therefore, they are commercially viable and popular among various products available in the market. Incorporation of metal organic framework (MOFs) and graphene have opened avenues to more advanced/multi-functional, reusable, and high capacity adsorption filtration membranes. Rapid prototyping/3-dimensional (3-D) printing techniques have been applied to shorten the time of manufacture of face masks. This review is expected to be very helpful for engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs working on development of novel face masks required in plenty during this pandemic period.
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.
