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Papers
20 resultsShowing papers similar to Aerosol Filtration Testing of Fabrics for Development of Reusable Face Masks
ClearFiltration Performance of Layering Masks and Face Coverings and the Reusability of Cotton Masks after Repeated Washing and Drying
Researchers tested the filtration efficiency of various face masks and found that layering a cloth mask over a surgical mask improved particle filtration by about 25%, and that cotton masks retained their filtration ability even after 52 wash-and-dry cycles. However, the study also observed that repeated washing gradually broke down cotton fibers into micro- and nano-scale fragments, raising a subtle concern about microfiber shedding from laundered cloth masks.
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.
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.
The impact and effectiveness of the general public wearing masks to reduce the spread of pandemics in the UK: a multidisciplinary comparison of single-use masks versus reusable face masks.
This study compared the filtration effectiveness and environmental impact of single-use versus reusable face masks during COVID-19, finding that reusable masks can be comparable in protection while significantly reducing plastic waste. Billions of disposable masks ended up in the environment during the pandemic, releasing microplastic fibers and fragments as they degraded.
An overview of filtration efficiency through the masks: Mechanisms of the aerosols penetration
Researchers reviewed how different types of face masks filter airborne particles — including viral droplets and pollution aerosols — examining the physical and chemical mechanisms that govern how tiny particles penetrate mask layers under varying environmental conditions. The review finds that no single mask design is optimal for all aerosol sizes and conditions, and that better filtration requires understanding the interplay of particle size, humidity, and mask construction.
Reusability of face masks: Influence of washing and comparison of performance between medical face masks and community face masks
Researchers tested the impact of 20 wash cycles at 60 degrees Celsius on the particle filtration efficiency and breathability of both medical face masks and reusable community face masks, measuring performance across particle sizes from 0.1 to 6.5 micrometers. They found that washing affected filtration efficiency differently between mask types, informing guidance on the safe reuse of masks and their relative environmental footprints.
Mask material: challenges and virucidal properties as an effective solution against coronavirus SARS-CoV-2
This review examines the filtration efficiency, breathability, and virucidal properties of different mask materials against SARS-CoV-2, finding that cotton mask performance improves with higher thread count and more layers but at a cost to breathability.
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.
COVID-19: Performance study of microplastic inhalation risk posed by wearing masks
Researchers tested how different types of face masks affect the risk of inhaling microplastics during breathing. They found that while masks generally reduce exposure to granular microplastics, surgical, cotton, and activated carbon masks can increase fiber-like microplastic inhalation, and reusing disinfected masks raises particle exposure further. N95 masks offered the best protection, reducing spherical microplastic inhalation risk by over 25 times compared to wearing no mask.
The impact and effectiveness of the general public wearing masks to reduce the spread of pandemics in the UK: a multidisciplinary comparison of single-use masks versus reusable face masks.
Reusable fabric face masks and single-use surgical masks were compared for filtration efficiency and particle shedding, with single-use masks providing better protection against airborne pathogens but generating more plastic waste, while reusable cotton masks reduced waste but required proper washing protocols to maintain effectiveness.
The impact and effectiveness of the general public wearing masks to reduce the spread of pandemics in the UK: a multidisciplinary comparison of single-use masks versus reusable face masks
Researchers compared single-use and reusable face masks across effectiveness, environmental impact, and cost during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. The study found that while single-use masks have higher standalone filtration performance, reusable masks adequately slow respiratory virus transmission and generate over 85% less waste, 3.5 times lower climate impact, and 3.7 times lower costs than single-use alternatives.
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.
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.
Applicability of Membranes in Protective Face Masks and Comparison of Reusable and Disposable Face Masks with Life Cycle Assessment
A comparison of reusable and disposable face masks using life cycle assessment found that while reusable masks have lower total environmental impact over their lifetime, disposable masks shed microplastic fibers that could enter both environmental and human biological systems.
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.
Effectiveness of Inexpensive Cloth Facemasks and Their Amendments to Reduce Ambient Particulate Exposures: A Case of Kathmandu, Nepal
This study tested multiple types of inexpensive cloth face masks under controlled airflow conditions in Kathmandu, Nepal and found wide variation in particulate matter filtration efficiency across mask types, with multilayer and tightly woven designs performing best for reducing ambient particle inhalation.
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.
Evaluation of Fiber and Debris Release from Protective COVID-19 Mask Textiles and in Vitro Acute Cytotoxicity Effects.
Researchers quantified fiber and particle debris released from textile-based face masks and surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic using both liquid and air extraction methods, finding that cotton-based textiles released up to 29,452 fibers per gram under liquid extraction while synthetic textiles released up to 1,030 fibers per gram. The study assessed the potential for inhaled mask debris to cause acute cytotoxic effects, raising questions about respiratory health implications of prolonged mask wear.
Analysis of the Optimal Use of Fabric Masks and Disposable Medical Masks During the COVID-19
This paper is not about microplastics — it compares the environmental, economic, and public health trade-offs of disposable medical masks versus reusable cloth masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Review of the Fabrication Methods, Testing, and Performance of Face Masks
This review covered the fabrication methods, filtration performance, comfort characteristics, and certification standards of face masks and respirators, with particular attention to developments during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors identified trade-offs between filtration efficiency, breathability, and user comfort across different mask types and materials.