ACS Nano

Layered systems of commonly available fabric materials can be used by the\npublic and healthcare providers in face masks to reduce the risk of inhaling\nviruses with protection about equivalent or better than the filtration and\nadsorption offered by 5-layer N95 respirators. Over 70 different common fabric\ncombinations and masks were evaluated under steady state, forced convection air\nflux with pulsed aerosols that simulate forceful respiration. The aerosols\ncontain fluorescent virus-like nanoparticles to track transmission through\nmaterials that greatly assist the accuracy of detection, thus avoiding\nartifacts including pore flooding and the loss of aerosol due to evaporation\nand droplet break-up. Effective materials comprise both absorbent, hydrophilic\nlayers and barrier, hydrophobic layers. Although the hydrophobic layers can\nadhere virus-like nanoparticles, they may also repel droplets from adjacent\nabsorbent layers and prevent wicking transport across the fabric system.\nEffective designs are noted with absorbent layers comprising terry cloth towel,\nquilting cotton and flannel. Effective designs are noted with barrier layers\ncomprising non-woven polypropylene, polyester and polyaramid.\n

Effectiveness of Common Fabrics to Block Aqueous Aerosols of Virus-like Nanoparticles