Abstract
Consistent and proper use of respiratory protective devices (RPD) is one of the essential actions that can be taken to reduce the risk of exposure to airborne hazards, i.e., biological and nonbiological aerosols, vapours, and gases. Proper fit of the facepiece and comfort properties of RPDs play a crucial role in effective protection and acceptance of RPDs by workers. The objective of the present paper was to develop viscoelastic polyurethane foams for use in RPD seals characterised by proper elasticity, allowing for the enhancement of the device fit to the face and the capability of removing moisture from the skin in order to improve the comfort of RPD use. Moreover, it was pivotal to ensure the non-flammability of the foams, as well as a simultaneous reduction in their cytotoxicity. The obtained foams were characterised using scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry. Measurements also involved gel fraction, apparent density, compression set, rebound resilience, wettability, flammability, and cytotoxicity. The results are discussed in the context of the impact of modifications to the foam formulation (i.e., flame-retardant type and content) on the desired foam properties. The test results set directions for future works aimed to develop viscoelastic polyurethane foams that could be applied in the design of respiratory protective devices.
Highlights
Extensive research has recently been carried out to improve the fit of respiratory protective devices (RPDs) to the user’s face and increase the comfort of use [1,2,3,4,5]
From the point of view of seal functionality, a continuous and spontaneous adaptation of shape to the user’s anthropometric dimensions should be possible in order to eliminate any potential leakage when the user is unaware of the danger or is not able to adjust the RPD’s fit because of the nature of the tasks performed
The results reveal that the application of flame retardants affected the soft-phase glass-transition temperature of polyurethane
Summary
Extensive research has recently been carried out to improve the fit of respiratory protective devices (RPDs) to the user’s face and increase the comfort of use [1,2,3,4,5]. In addition to the improved fit to the body shape, they remove heat from the skin surface and reduce pressure, stimulating blood circulation and increasing user comfort. For materials intended for respiratory protective devices, it is indispensable to ensure some additional functional characteristics resulting from the specific use conditions and reference standards harmonised with Regulation No. (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and the Council on personal protective equipment (PPE) [9], including but not limited to reduced susceptibility to ignition, capability of removing moisture from the skin surface, and harmlessness in the intended conditions of use. Human factors (i.e., theory, principles, data, and methods concerning the interactions between humans and PPE that apply to design) shall be considered when designing such devices to optimize human well-being and overall system performance [10,11,12]
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