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Papers
20 resultsShowing papers similar to Tuneable and biodegradable poly(ester amide)s for disposable facemasks
ClearTunable 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.
Antiviral/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.
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.
Fabrication of microplastic-free biomass-based masks: Enhanced multi-functionality with all-natural fibers
Researchers developed a new biodegradable face mask made entirely from natural plant and animal fibers, eliminating the microplastic shedding associated with conventional disposable masks. The mask achieved 95.9% filtration efficiency, strong antibacterial performance against common bacteria, and could even detect ammonia levels in breath for health monitoring. This microplastic-free design offers a more sustainable alternative to standard surgical masks.
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 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.
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.
Simulation of the Long-Term Ageing of Polypropylene-Made Disposable Surgical Masks and Filtering Facepiece Respirators
Researchers artificially aged polypropylene surgical masks under simulated environmental conditions and modeled their long-term oxidative degradation, finding that mask polymers undergo progressive fragmentation that will generate microplastics for years to decades after disposal in the environment.
Environmental impact of disposable face masks: degradation, wear, and cement mortar incorporation
Researchers examined how disposable polypropylene face masks break down in the environment, releasing microplastics and nanoplastics after just 117 days of outdoor exposure. The study also tested incorporating shredded mask material into cement mortar and found it did not significantly harm the material's structural properties, suggesting construction applications as one way to divert mask waste from the environment.
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.
Biodegradable Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes as Promising Candidates for the Development of Face Masks
This review examines the development of biodegradable electrospun nanofiber membranes as alternatives to conventional plastic face masks. Researchers summarize progress on materials including silk fibroin, polylactic acid, chitosan, cellulose, and zein, which can achieve strong filtration performance. The study highlights that degradable nanofiber filters offer a promising solution to reduce the environmental burden of plastic pollution from disposable face masks.
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.
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.
Fabric structure and polymer composition as key contributors to micro(nano)plastic contamination in face masks.
Researchers investigated how the structure of face masks — including surgical polypropylene and fashionable polyurethane masks — influences the generation of micro- and nano-plastics during normal wear and UV aging. The findings show that mask material composition and fabric structure are key determinants of how much plastic particles are shed into the wearer's breathing zone.
Face masks as a source of nanoplastics and microplastics in the environment: Quantification, characterization, and potential for bioaccumulation
Researchers found that each surgical or N95 face mask can release over one billion nanoplastic and microplastic particles, mostly smaller than one micrometer, when they break down. The study also detected microplastics in the nasal mucus of mask wearers, suggesting inhalation exposure during use. Additionally, mask-derived particles were shown to adsorb onto marine organisms across different levels of the food chain, raising concerns about both human health and environmental impacts.
Bioelectret poly(lactic acid) membranes with simultaneously enhanced physical interception and electrostatic adsorption of airborne PM0.3
Researchers developed a biodegradable air filter membrane made from poly(lactic acid) that can capture ultra-fine airborne particles as small as 0.3 micrometers with high efficiency. Unlike traditional plastic-based filters that shed microplastics into the air, this plant-derived material breaks down naturally. This technology could help reduce both airborne particulate exposure and the microplastic pollution created by conventional air filtration products.
A Novel Face Masks and it’s Utility during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comprehensive Review
This review examines the technical specifications, materials, and engineering advances of face masks used during the COVID-19 pandemic, including both commercial and homemade options. Researchers discuss the environmental impact of disposable masks, noting that their widespread use has contributed to microplastic pollution as mask materials degrade. The study highlights the need for mask designs that balance effective viral protection with reduced environmental contamination.
Release kinetics of microplastics from disposable face masks into the aqueous environment
Researchers measured microplastic release from three types of disposable face masks into water over 24 hours, characterizing the release kinetics and identifying mask type and environmental conditions as key factors affecting microplastic shedding rates.
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.
Microplastics/nanoplastics released from facemasks as contaminants of emerging concern
This review examines how disposable facemasks, made primarily from polypropylene and polyethylene, release microplastics and nanoplastics into the environment. Chemical, physical, and biological processes break down discarded masks into tiny plastic particles that persist in ecosystems. Given the billions of masks used during COVID-19, this represents a significant and growing source of microplastic pollution.