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A fluid mechanics explanation of the effectiveness of common materials for respiratory masks.
Maher, Blake; Chavez, Reynaldo; Tomaz, Gabriel C Q; Nguyen, Thien; Hassan, Yassin.
  • Maher B; Thermal-Hydraulic Research Laboratory, Texas A& M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA; J. Mike Walker' 66 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A& M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA.
  • Chavez R; Thermal-Hydraulic Research Laboratory, Texas A& M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA; J. Mike Walker' 66 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A& M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA.
  • Tomaz GCQ; Thermal-Hydraulic Research Laboratory, Texas A& M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA; Department of Nuclear Engineering, Texas A& M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA.
  • Nguyen T; Thermal-Hydraulic Research Laboratory, Texas A& M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA; Department of Nuclear Engineering, Texas A& M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA. Electronic address: thien.duy.ng@tamu.edu.
  • Hassan Y; Thermal-Hydraulic Research Laboratory, Texas A& M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA; J. Mike Walker' 66 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A& M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA; Department of Nuclear Engineering, Texas A& M University, College Station, T
Int J Infect Dis ; 99: 505-513, 2020 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-733816
ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES:

Face masks are an important component of personal protection equipment employed in preventing the spread of diseases such as COVID-19. As the supply of mass-produced masks has decreased, the use of homemade masks has become more prevalent. It is important to quantify the effectiveness of different types of materials to provide useful information, which should be considered for homemade masks.

METHODS:

Filtration effects of different types of common materials were studied by measuring the aerosol droplet concentrations in the upstream and downstream regions. Flow-field characteristics of surrounding regions of tested materials were investigated using a laser-diagnostics technique, i.e., particle image velocimetry. The pressure difference across the tested materials was measured.

RESULTS:

Measured aerosol concentrations indicated a breakup of large-size particles into smaller particles. Tested materials had higher filtration efficiency for large particles. Single-layer materials were less efficient, but they had a low pressure-drop. Multilayer materials could produce greater filtering efficiency with an increased pressure drop, which is an indicator of comfort level and breathability. The obtained flow-fields indicated a flow disruption downstream of the tested materials as the velocity magnitude noticeably decreased.

CONCLUSIONS:

The obtained results provide an insight into flow-field characteristics and filtration efficiency of different types of household materials commonly used for homemade masks. This study allows comparison with mass-produced masks under consistent test conditions while employing several well-established techniques.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Pneumonia, Viral / Textiles / Materials Testing / Coronavirus Infections / Pandemics / Filtration / Masks Type of study: Experimental Studies Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Int J Infect Dis Journal subject: Communicable Diseases Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: J.ijid.2020.07.066

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Pneumonia, Viral / Textiles / Materials Testing / Coronavirus Infections / Pandemics / Filtration / Masks Type of study: Experimental Studies Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Int J Infect Dis Journal subject: Communicable Diseases Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: J.ijid.2020.07.066