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Papers
20 resultsShowing papers similar to Fabrication of microplastic-free biomass-based masks: Enhanced multi-functionality with all-natural fibers
ClearAntiviral/antibacterial biodegradable cellulose nonwovens as environmentally friendly and bioprotective materials with potential to minimize microplastic pollution
Biodegradable cellulose nonwoven materials incorporating antiviral and antibacterial agents were developed as a sustainable alternative to polypropylene face masks, demonstrating comparable filtration performance with significantly faster environmental degradation, reducing the microplastic pollution burden of disposable PPE.
Needleless electrospun phytochemicals encapsulated nanofibre based 3-ply biodegradable mask for combating COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers developed a three-layer biodegradable face mask combining cotton outer layers with a polylactic acid nanofibrous filtration layer infused with plant-derived antimicrobials, achieving 97.9% bacterial filtration efficiency and demonstrating biodegradation in a microbial slurry — offering a potential eco-friendly alternative to single-use synthetic masks.
Tuneable and biodegradable poly(ester amide)s for disposable facemasks
Scientists developed biodegradable face mask filters made from novel bio-based poly(ester amide) polymers that fully degrade within 35 days. The filters matched the particle capture efficiency and breathability of commercial mask filters, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to standard disposable masks that contribute to microplastic pollution.
Functional Fiber Membranes with Antibacterial Properties for Face Masks
Researchers developed fiber-based membranes with built-in antibacterial properties for use in face masks, aiming to create filtration materials that can both block particles and actively kill pathogens to improve mask performance and safety.
Development of reusable cloth mask with nanoparticle filtration efficiency greater than 95%
Researchers developed a reusable cloth mask with nanoparticle filtration efficiency greater than 95%, motivated by the environmental concerns of single-use surgical and respirator masks that shed microplastic fibers, evaluating the novel mask material's filtration performance against respiratory droplets and particulates.
Face masks and respirators: Towards sustainable materials and technologies to overcome the shortcomings and challenges
This review examines the limitations of current face masks and respirators, including low filtration efficiency and non-biodegradability, and explores sustainable materials and emerging technologies such as nanofibers and biodegradable polymers to address these shortcomings.
Antibacterial/Antiviral Face Masks: Processing, Characteristics, Challenges, and Sustainability
This review examines the development of antibacterial and antiviral face masks — including the materials, processing methods, and antimicrobial agents used — and discusses sustainability challenges associated with mask disposal. It is tangentially relevant to microplastics because single-use masks are now recognized as a significant emerging source of microplastic and nanoparticle pollution when they fragment in the environment, though this paper focuses primarily on mask performance and design rather than their pollution impact.
Tunable and Biodegradable Poly(Ester Amide)s for Disposable Facemasks
Researchers synthesized seven novel poly(ester amide) (PEA) polymers from biosourced materials for use as biodegradable disposable facemask components, addressing microplastic pollution from conventional disposable masks. Two PEA grades achieved full biodegradation within 35 days and were compatible with electrospinning, producing ultra-thin filter fibers with microparticle capture efficiency and air permeability comparable to commercial filters.
Recycling of disposable single-use face masks to mitigate microfiber pollution
Researchers mechanically recycled discarded disposable face masks into polypropylene-cotton blended fabrics, demonstrating an 83% reduction in microfiber release across the product lifecycle compared to masks, though complete elimination of fiber shedding was not achievable due to the inherent properties of textile materials.
Implementation of jute-based nose holder in surgical masks to reduce plastic contamination
Researchers developed a surgical mask with a jute-based nose holder as an alternative to conventional plastic nose holders, finding it comfortable for 82.6% of 900 surveyed users and projecting it could help reduce the approximately 773 tons of plastic waste generated daily from mask nose holders.
Nanocellulose-based membrane as a potential material for high performance biodegradable aerosol respirators for SARS-CoV-2 prevention: a review
Researchers reviewed nanocellulose-based membrane materials as biodegradable alternatives to synthetic face mask filters, finding that cellulose nanofibers and nanocrystals offer promising filtration efficiency, biocompatibility, and environmental safety compared to single-use plastic-based respirators.
Development of a Layer Made of Natural Fibers to Improve the Ecological Performance of the Face Mask Type II
This study developed a natural nonwoven layer made from flax and cotton fibers to replace one of the three polypropylene layers in medical face masks. Replacing synthetic polymer layers in single-use masks reduces the amount of polypropylene microplastics released when discarded masks degrade in the environment.
Enhanced Filtration Efficiency of Natural Materials with the Addition of Electrospun Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) Fibres
Researchers developed enhanced air filtration materials by combining natural fibers with electrospun PVDF-HFP nanofibers, achieving improved particulate filtration efficiency while reducing reliance on single-use plastic masks that contribute to environmental pollution.
Nano-copper ions assembled cellulose-based composite with antibacterial activity for biodegradable personal protective mask
Researchers developed an antibacterial face mask using cotton fabric modified with nano-copper ions via electrostatic adsorption, achieving 96% particle filtration efficiency, 100% antibacterial activity, and sustained antiviral performance after 50 wash cycles, offering a biodegradable alternative to single-use synthetic masks.
Aerosol Filtration Testing of Fabrics for Development of Reusable Face Masks
Researchers tested the aerosol filtration performance of over 300 fabrics and layered fabric combinations for use as reusable face masks, finding that layered materials and hydrophobic coatings significantly improve filtration efficiency while maintaining breathability. The work provides practical guidance for designing effective non-disposable masks — an important consideration given that disposable mask waste, including microplastic-releasing synthetic fibers, became a major pollution concern during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Single-use surgical face masks, as a potential source of microplastics: Do they act as pollutant carriers?
Researchers investigated whether single-use surgical face masks, widely used during the COVID-19 pandemic, are a potential source of microplastic fibers released into the environment. The study found that used masks entering uncontrolled waste streams can shed fibrous microplastics.
Exudation of microplastics from commonly used face masks in COVID-19 pandemic
Researchers simulated real-world mask usage and found that commonly used face masks — including surgical and cloth types — shed measurable quantities of microplastic particles that could be inhaled by the wearer, raising concerns about respiratory exposure during prolonged mask use.
Protein‐Based Face Mask with High SARS‐CoV‐2 Neutralization Ability and Breathability
This paper describes the development of a protein-based face mask designed to neutralize SARS-CoV-2 by capturing spike proteins. It is not about microplastics and is not relevant to microplastic research.
Characterization and Filtration Efficiency of Sustainable PLA Fibers Obtained via a Hybrid 3D-Printed/Electrospinning Technique
Researchers developed biodegradable polylactide (PLA) filter fibers using a hybrid 3D printing and electrospinning technique, intended as a sustainable alternative to single-use synthetic mask filters. The PLA filters showed acceptable filtration performance. Replacing petroleum-based filter materials with biodegradable ones could reduce the plastic pollution burden from pandemic-era personal protective equipment.
A Critical Review on Reusable Face Coverings: Mechanism, Development, Factors, and Challenges
This review evaluated reusable face coverings as alternatives to disposable masks, examining filtration mechanisms, material developments, and key challenges including microplastic fiber shedding from textile-based coverings during use and washing.