The surgical and N95 masks of today are crafted from nonwoven materials that you can get from plastic compounds, including polypropylene. The sole purpose of a majority of masks is to filter the air quality that the wearer has access to. This accords the face mask-wearer protection from maladies of an infectious nature in the surrounding vicinity. Alternative materials include the Teflex Reusable Face Mask Material, which can be utilized in producing high-quality covers that catch infectious microbes before they can reach a target victim. Let’s focus on the best materials for face masks.
Types of tests done to select the right face mask material
- Splash test
Mask material is sprayed with fluids such as fake blood. This is conducted at high pressure to emulate exposure to blood during actual operations. The test is used to determine how well the material would hold up against blood contamination.
- Latex particle tests
Chemicals are sprayed onto the surface of the material to determine if the fabric can filter out the particles and components it is designed to filter.
- Fireproof capability
In many cases, masks will be worn in areas where there is a real likelihood of exposure to fire. The mask material should be able to resist catching fire and burning.
- In Vitro Bacteria Filtration Efficiency
In this exam, an aserosol made up of staph bacteria is shot at the material at high pressure. The results indicate whether the cover can filter out the right percentage of bacteria as intended.
The best materials for face masks
- PTFE Membrane
This is an excellent face mask material for producing N99 and N95 face masks. It can also be applied in crafting durgical and medical covers. PTFE Membrane features up to 99% filtration efficiency and can easily be applied to protective clothing for medical officers. It can withstand bleach washing and is made of nano PTFE material featuring enhanced tensile technology. The fabric also has a micropore structure including very small pore sizes and high porosity. PTFE membrane works best to trap dust mites, bacteria, viruses, and particulates. The material comes with full fluoropolymer coating that enables it to be fire and chemical-resistant. In addition to this, the fabric is laminated and is extremely flexible, with a high tensile strength. PTFE material can be used in biochemical, microelectronics, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, chemical, and laboratoty settings with 100% confidence.
- Non –woven face mask fabric
Melt blown fabrics are a key component of respirators, which provide superior protection during these periods of the COVID-19 pandemic. The nonwoven fabrics feature 100% polypropylene composition. The dense fiber structure of the material functions as an effective barrier against infectious particles and contaminant agents. The material works to provide a very high level of filtration efficiency, as well as allowing air to permeate. The combination of nonwoven fabrics with spunbond layers of material can provide resistance to abrasion as well as enhancing tensile strength.
Conclusion
Several materials can be effectively applied in the crafting of efficient face masks. Out of all these, PTFE ranks the highest in terms of performance scores and durability. To stay protected during the COVID pandemic, it is best to wear masks made from PTFE material.
