The Possibility of Reuse of Nanofiber Mats by Machine Washing at Different Temperatures.

Al Mamun,Yusuf Topuz,Marah Trabelsi,Imane Moulefera,Lilia Sabantina

doi:10.3390/ma14174788

Abstract

The worldwide spread of coronavirus COVID-19 infections demonstrates the great need for personal protective equipment and, in particular, hygiene masks. These masks are essential for the primary protection of the respiratory tract against pathogens such as viruses and bacteria that are infectious and transmitted through the air as large droplets or via small airborne particles. The use of protective masks will continue to accompany humans for an indefinite period of time, and therefore there is an urgent need for a safe method to extend their usability by reusing them under perspective with minimal loss of protective properties. Nanofiber mats are widely used in masks and in this study the reusability of nanofiber mats is investigated by washing them at different temperatures. This paper shows the first measurements of the washability of nanofiber mats. Furthermore, the air permeability is measured, and the evaporation resistance is evaluated. According to the results of this study, the air permeability performance of nanofiber mats does not change significantly after washing, confirming the possibility of reuse.

Highlights

IntroductionDue to this enormous number of infectious cases, the use of face masks is obligatory to protect human health
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting 220 countries and territories
2 shows the SEM image of PAN nanofiber mat, which was used in this mat,the which was alsoare used in this studyFigure as well as ourthe previous studyof

Summary

Introduction

Due to this enormous number of infectious cases, the use of face masks is obligatory to protect human health. This health emergency is caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, which is transmitted largely by the respiratory route (vide infra) [1,2]. Some scientists avow that COVID-19 cannot be transmitted while using the N95 (FFP2 in Europe) face mask, or, more pressing, that they decrease the percentage to which you are contagious This is classified to be one of best face masks in filtration, but is limited to one-time use only [3,4]. The filtering efficiency of protective face masks can be classified into single-use face masks, respirator masks, and surgical masks [5,6]

Methods

Results

Conclusion