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

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.

Nanotechnology Transition Roadmap toward Multifunctional Stimuli-Responsive Face Masks

“…All the properties described above have led electrospun nanofibers to be increasingly used in the design and production of face masks all over the world. , Up to now, the following materials have been studied for use as passive filtration membranes in nanofiber mats: nylon-6.6, nylon-6, − polycaprolactone, poly­(ethylene terephthalate), silk fibroin, polylactic acid, poly­(methyl methacrylate), polybutylene succinate, polyacrylonitrile, , and polyvinylidene fluoride. , …”

“…However, for a given mask to be used again, it must be adequately prepared in advance to rid it of previously captured impurities. Mamun et al verified whether the masks based on PAN nanofibers were reusable after washing them in a home washing machine . Scientists produced electrospun PAN mats on a polypropylene substrate, which were then covered with another layer of PP, as is the case in a standard mask, and then tested their filtering capacity following the EN143 standard for respiratory masks.…”

“…Therefore, their performance drops somewhat, but still remains high. There is a need for further research in this area, but it seems that washing masks in a domestic washing machine is an effective and promising method for achieving reusability …”

“…Mamun et al verified whether the masks based on PAN nanofibers were reusable after washing them in a home washing machine. 100 Scientists produced electrospun PAN mats on a polypropylene substrate, which were then covered with another layer of PP, as is the case in a standard mask, and then tested their filtering capacity following the EN143 standard for respiratory masks. Filtration efficiency was retested after the composites were washed in a domestic washing machine at different temperatures (40 °C (short program), 40 °C, 60 °C, and 95 °C).…”

“…There is a need for further research in this area, but it seems that washing masks in a domestic washing machine is an effective and promising method for achieving reusability. 100 Polyfluoroolefins. Polyfluoroolefins represent vinyl polymers, i.e., polymers formed due to combining monomers containing −C�C− double bonds.…”