Cotton is preferable more than synthetics and other types of fibers for making non-surgical face masks to safeguard against infection and spread by COVID-19. Combined with the fact that it is biodegradable and can be impregnated with antimicrobial nanoparticles, the ability to absorb, dehydrate and deactivate the virus makes cotton the perfect option for the do-it-yourself face masks.
Facemask’s key requirements is filtration capacity, pathogen obstruction and mask physical comfort including breathability. The International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC) said in a research paper this month that cotton fabric has been considered superior to all other fabrics in all of these respects.