Open AccessCharacterization of Materials Used as Face Coverings for Respiratory Protection
Author(s) -
Chavis A. Stackhouse,
Shan Yan,
Lei Wang,
Kim Kisslinger,
Ryan Tappero,
Ashley R. Head,
Killian R. Tallman,
Esther S. Takeuchi,
David C. Bock,
Kenneth J. Takeuchi,
Amy C. Marschilok
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
acs applied materials and interfaces
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.535
H-Index - 228
eISSN - 1944-8252
pISSN - 1944-8244
DOI - 10.1021/acsami.1c11200
Subject(s) - materials science , oak ridge national laboratory , characterization (materials science) , contact angle , nanotechnology , wetting , respirator , raman spectroscopy , optics , composite material , physics , nuclear physics
Use of masks is a primary tool to prevent the spread of the novel COVID-19 virus resulting from unintentional close contact with infected individuals. However, detailed characterization of the chemical properties and physical structure of common mask materials is lacking in the current literature. In this study, a series of commercial masks and potential mask materials, including 3M Particulate Respirator 8210 N95, a material provided by Oak Ridge National Laboratory Carbon Fiber Technology Facility (ORNL/CFTF), and a Filti Face Mask Material, were characterized by a suite of techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Wetting properties of the mask materials were quantified by measurements of contact angle with a saliva substitute. Mask pass-through experiments were performed using a dispersed metal oxide nanoparticle suspension to model the SARS-CoV-2 virus, with quantification via spatially resolved X-ray fluorescence mapping. Notably, all mask materials tested provided a strong barrier against respiratory droplet breakthrough. The comparisons and characterizations provided in this study provide useful information when evaluating mask materials for respiratory protection.