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Chitosan Coating in the Form of Polymer and Nanowhiskers on Clothing Fabrics for Improved Particulate Matter Removal Efficiency in Face Mask Filters
Journal of Natural Fibers ; 20(1), 2023.
Article in English | Scopus | ID: covidwho-2268303
ABSTRACT
The demand for face masks is increasing exponentially due to the coronavirus pandemic and the particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere. As a result, an enormous number of disposable mask filters have been produced and discarded, contributing to plastic waste. Underprivileged people who cannot afford to purchase commercial face masks have started making fabric masks with waste clothing;however, this material does not effectively filter viruses or PM. Therefore, in this study, a chitosan coating was applied to clothing fabrics to increase their effectiveness as face masks. The improvement in the PM removal efficiency owing to the chitosan polymer was observed for stocking, innerwear, and bamboo materials, but not for cotton. Furthermore, chitosan prepared in the form of a nanowhisker (CsW) achieved a PM 2.5 removal efficiency of 96% in a five-layer cotton fabric. In addition, a commercial biodegradable poly(lactic acid) filter was coated with CsW, which increased the PM 2.5 removal efficiency from 67% to 83%. Additionally, microbial growth was significantly suppressed in the chitosan-coated fabrics, and the degree to which it was suppressed depended on the coating concentration. The study will aid in the utilization of face mask filters that are more sustainable, efficient, and widely accessible. © 2023 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: Scopus Language: English Journal: Journal of Natural Fibers Year: 2023 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: Scopus Language: English Journal: Journal of Natural Fibers Year: 2023 Document Type: Article