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The 3D-Printing-Accelerated Design for a Biodegradable Respirator from Tree Leaves (TRespirator)
Summary
Researchers developed a 3D-printing-assisted process to manufacture biodegradable respirators ('TRespirators') primarily from banana leaves and silk fibers, with small amounts of recycled plastic for mechanical strength. The biodegradable masks achieved similar particle filtration performance to N95 respirators. This approach aims to reduce the plastic pollution generated by disposable face masks.
The unpredictable coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has led to a sudden and massive demand for face masks, leading to severe plastic pollution. Here, we propose a method for manufacturing biodegradable masks using high-precision 3D printing technology, called "TRespirator", mainly made of banana leaves and dental floss silk fibers. By adding plastic recycling waste appropriately, TRespirator can achieve similar protection and mechanical properties as N95 masks. In addition, microorganisms attracted during the degradation of plant fibers will accelerate the degradation of microplastics. This respirator provides a new idea for solving the global problem of plastic pollution of masks.