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Alternative Facemask Materials for DIY Facemask in the Time of COVID-19
Jessica Mirrielees, BO CHEN, Michael Moreno, Sarah Brooks, Texas A&M University
Abstract Number: 164
Working Group: The Role of Aerosol Science in the Understanding of the Spread and Control of COVID-19 and Other Infectious Diseases
Abstract
The effective use of face masks is crucial in preventing the spread of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19. The World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control suggested that homemade masks may have some protective benefits when there was a shortage of medical face masks. To determine the best material for making homemade masks, several commercially available filter materials: an allergen filter, a vacuum bag, a bandana, a heavy-duty tool wipe, an industrial composite filter, as well as an N95 particulate respirator and a surgical mask were tested against size-resolved nonbiological surrogate particles (sodium chloride). Percent penetration over a range of diameters from 25 to 500 nm was measured for each filter sample at three different face velocities that simulate human breathing. Pressure drop was also measured to calculate the filter quality factor. Amongst the samples, the allergen filter is the best at air filtration. The results show that the percent penetration of 300 nm particles at a face velocity of 13 cm s-1 for the allergen filter was approximately 5%, for the industrial composite filter was around 11%, for the heavy-duty tool wipe was approximately 26%, and for other samples were approximately 30% or higher. The pressure drop for all the samples met the NIOSH N95 standard at low face velocity but failed at a high face velocity. Based on filter quality, the allergen filter, industrial composite filter, and vacuum bag were the best homemade mask options tested in this study. This study can provide guidance for the public to consider while sourcing material to make masks.