AadityaSushilkumarPatel(Textile Chemistry)*,Akash Sambhaji Deshmukh( Fashion Technology)
D.K.T.E. Society’s Textile and Engineering Institute, Ichalkaranji, (MS) India. Email*: [email protected]
Abstract
The mask is the accessory which has become a part of contemporary life. It is the part of PPE (personal protection equipment) kit, which is currently used against COVID-19. There are different types of masks. Each mask has different application. This paper will be acknowledging about masks and their functions. Different genre of mask is cloth face mask, surgical mask, N95 respirator, P100 respirator/ gas mask, full face respirator and KN95 respirator. The present study also elucidates the certified test methods for various masks on the basis of evaluation characteristic suggested by ASTM. Tests carried out on the mask are, Bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE), Particular filtration efficiency (PFE), Fluid resistance, Delta P and Flame speed tests.
Keywords:Mask, PPE Kit, COVID-19, N95, ASTM, etc.
There used to be days when one among very few people around us wore a face/surgical mask in day-to-day life, but now it’s a part of our life. As per Wikipedia, the surgical mask is, “a face mask, intended to be used by the health professionals during the healthcare procedures. It is designed to stop infections inpatient and treating personnel by catching the bacteria sheds within the liquid droplets and aerosols from wearer’s mouth and nose”. COVID-19 pandemic has raised the urge to use the mask in day-to-day life. So, let us know some basic knowledge about the most used accessory the mask in this pandemic via this paper [1][2].
In the financial year 2019, the global market for the mask was US$0.79 billion, and in the financial year 2020, it is expected to have a global market of US$166.44 billion which means within the year the business has grown approximately 210 times (i.e., 21000%).
Careful veils are dispensable gadgets that cover the mouth and nose during operations. They forestall the spread of contamination among the unhealthy and solid populace. Careful covers are commonly utilised in a wellbeing office (clinics, crisis offices, out-patient offices, private consideration offices, crisis clinical benefits) and home medical care conveyance. The Indian surgical mask market could cost US$71.73 million by 2019 and is expected to reach US$157.13 million by 2027, with a CAGR of 10.3% registered need of mask in COVID-19from 2020 to 2027. [3]
Generally, the mask is used to prevent the spread of the diseases, face mask helps in preventing the spread of infection, also an individual from contracting airborne infectious germs. During coughing and sneezing an infected person releases germ into the air that may infect nearby healthy people. Masks are used as a part of an infection control strategy that helps in eliminating cross-contamination. This mask can also be used for the prevention of air pollution-caused diseases.[6]
Protection of surgical mask (3 layers)
We need to know that how does mask help in being the barrier between the infected person and the healthy person. We all know that Corona virus is a super macro (i.e., 100nm or 0.1um). Usually, the virus cannot exist independently. Transmission of virus takes place from close contact, secretion, and droplets while sneezing. Droplet size is nearly 5 microns, i.e., a melt-blown layer is sufficient to infiltrate the droplet viruses. This is because the droplets having the virus will be absorbed on the surface of the melt-blown layer electro statically. Thus, mask creates a basic barrier between the mouth and nose and the virus. [3]
Figure 1. Distinct types of surgical mask.[7]
Usually, an authentic surgical mask is made up of 3-layers (Inner, Middle, and Outer). 2-layers masks are also used, which are for hygiene and dust purposes but not for viruses & bacteria.
Figure 2. Multiple layers of mask [4]
Outer layer – is a hydrophobic non-woven layer for water repellent and blood repellent properties.
Middle layer – is a melt-blown layer. It is the highlight of a surgical mask; it works as a filter to prevent entry or exit of germ from the mask.
Inner layer – is a soft absorbent non-woven layer to absorb water, sweat and spit.
The3-ply masks are effective as N-95 in protecting the respiratory diseases like COVID-19.
Certified test methods for various masks
Certain test methods are described below which are carried out to certify a mask as a surgical mask. These test methods are used by the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) for the certification process. The certification required is ASTM F2100.[5]
Bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE)
BFE measures the filtration capacity of the mask when challenged with the bacteria-containing aerosol. According to ASTM F2101 guidelines, testing is carried out with a droplet size of 3.0 microns containing Staphylococcus aureus (avg. size 0.6 – 0.8 microns). The mask with the 95% filtration is termed as the medical/surgical masks. For moderate or high protection, the criteria are 98% filtration. [5]
Particular filtration efficiency (PFE)
It measures the filtration capacity of the mask for the sub-micron particles, with the expectation that the viruses will be filtered in the same manner. Higher the filtration %, better the mask. It is recommended to test with a particle size of 0.1 microns. While comparing make sure that the size of particles for testing must be recommended. As per ASTM standards F2299 is accepted for medical mask. [5]
Fluid resistance
This method is used for the mask used in the surgery. It tests the ability of the outer layer to resist the transfer of the fluid from the outer-layer to the inner-layer. This is done because during surgery due to high blood pressure blood of the human body, blood may get splashed over the face. During this test synthetic blood is used with pressure equivalent to human blood pressure. ASTM 1862 is assigned for fluid resistance test. [5]
Delta P (Pressure differential)
It measures the breathability of the mask and simultaneously the airflow resistance of the mask. Delta P is measured in mm H2O/cm2. Lower the value of Delta P more is the breathability. ASTM value for the moderate and the high barrier mask must be less than 5.0 and the value must be less than 4.0 for low barrier mask.Moreover MIL-M369534C is the essential standard for testing Delta-P. [5]
Flame speed
This test is done to measure the flame resistance of the mask, as hospitals are occupied with oxygen, fuel, heat, etc. The standard mask should resist flame for at least 3 seconds with a specific distance, and it is recognised as 16CFR part 1610.[5]
ISO certification
For skin sensitivity and cyto-toxic tests, to make sure that harmful materials are not used in the mask, ISO 10993-5, 10 is denoted as standard for manufacturing medical mask. [5]
Conclusion
The above article has an acknowledging view of masks and their use in a recent situation. We get to know how the construction of a mask is designed to protect from viruses transferring airborne. The testing and certification for a generic product of mask have brief in this article. Secondly, the product ergonomics is also taken into consideration. Finally, the market scenario where lately there was not more market value as compared to a recent market where the mask production is considered as an essential required good. The mask manufacturers’ business today is210 times more than in the previous years.
References
1.https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surgical_mask, cited on 18th June 2021.
2.Jennifer L.W. Fink, RN, BSN, “Types of Masks and How Effective They Are”, Review, Healthgrades, 2020.
3.Jiri Militky, Ondrej Novak, Dana Kremenakova, “A Review of Impact of Textile Research on Protective Face Masks”, Materials, 13 April 2021.
4.Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoo, R.N., Written by Alex Bell, “Different types of face mask to use during the COVID-19 pandemic”, Medical News Today, 2020.
5.Ming hui chua, weirencheng, sherminsimingoh, “Face masks in the new covid-19 normal: material, testing and perspectives”, Research a Science Partner Journal, 2020.
6.Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, R.N., Written by Jill Seladi-Schulman, “Can Face Masks Protect You from the 2019 Coronavirus? What Types, When and How to Use”, Healthline, 2020.
7.Explainer: N95? KF95? Which mask is the best at protecting against COVID-19, Written by Manijanmaddipatla and Leroy Leo, on REUTERS, 19 January 2021.
