Conventional non-woven vs. novel nano FFP2 masks - a competetive study on the filtration performance after various types of conditions

Halamicek R, Wiesmann C, Kröner R, Bogdan C, Schubert DW (2023)

Publication Language: English

Publication Type: Conference contribution, Abstract of a poster

Publication year: 2023

Event location: Kopenhagen

Abstract

Filtering face piece (FFP) masks, categorized
by different filtration efficiency standards, are
mandatory to achieve an efficient protection
against viruses like the severe acute respirato-
ry syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2)
[1]. They conventionally comprise an electro-
statically treated melt blown non-woven layer
as the main filtering medium if the standard is
FFP2. However, novel nanofibrous masks with
the same standard are arising on the market,
promising a higher safety alongside a high-
er better wearing comfort – but for a higher
unit price. This study compared different
mask models from both mask types regard-
ing their filtration performance after various
types of conditions (change of temperature
and air humidity, exposure to isopropyl al-
cohol (IPA) and an autoclave sterilization) to
evaluate the superior FFP2 mask type. Due to
the absence of prior electrostatic treatment,
the nanofibrous masks did not show a signi-
ficant change in filtration efficiency when
exposed to IPA, unlike to the melt blown
non-woven masks. However, most melt blown
type masks maintained a sufficient filtration
efficiency after all other treatments and also
at the untreated condition – with even better
results than the nanofibrous competitors.
This applied particulary for the capacity to
filter smallest particles/droplets with a size of
around 0.1 μm, which is below the range of
typical filtering standards but important for
the retention of virally contaminated nano-
aerosols or unattached viruses [2-4]. Based on
their better filtration performance, lower price
and potential reusability, it can be concluded
that conventional melt blown non-woven
masks with an electrostatic treatment are the
preferable FFP2 mask type for a protective
purpose

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How to cite

APA:

Halamicek, R., Wiesmann, C., Kröner, R., Bogdan, C., & Schubert, D.W. (2023, May). Conventional non-woven vs. novel nano FFP2 masks - a competetive study on the filtration performance after various types of conditions. Poster presentation at Nordic Polymer Days, Kopenhagen, DK.

MLA:

Halamicek, Robin, et al. "Conventional non-woven vs. novel nano FFP2 masks - a competetive study on the filtration performance after various types of conditions." Presented at Nordic Polymer Days, Kopenhagen 2023.

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