Source: INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

Abstract

A surgical face mask is an important medical device used toprotect both surgical patients and operating room personnel from the transferof microorganisms, body fluids and particulate material. In this research, theeffect of repellent finish on filtration ability of surgical face masks wasstudied. In determining the filtration ability of surgical face masks, atechnique using Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy (LSCM) was used to determineparticle capture. Small particles present on/in nonwoven fabrics of the facemasks were located using LSCM. Then, image analysis was used to quantify thesmall particles by total area to evaluate the filtration ability. The resultsshowed that the filtration layer was the primary contributor to the barriereffectiveness of the surgical face mask. Statistical analysis was performed andthe results showed that although repellent finish decreased the filtrationability of the cover layer, it did not affect the filtration ability of thefiltration layer.

Key words

Nonwovens, Surgical Face Mask, Repellent Finish, Filtration

About the Authors:

The authors are associated with Department of Textiles,Merchandising and Interiors, University of Georgia, Athens, GA.

About the Source:

Reproducedcourtesy of INDA ^[1],Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry

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