Benefits Of Nanofiber Fabric & Masks

What is Nanofiber?

Nanofibers are incredibly small, synthetic fibers – each measuring one thousand times thinner than a human hair. They form a complex strength through spiderweb-like structures, which have an advantage over conventional or even natural fibers due to their extraordinarily large surface area and tiny pore size. This combination creates maximum air flow and particle capture – significantly more than other synthetic or natural filters, achieving greater efficiency down to PM0.3 microns.

Using a fiber production technique called electrospinning, companies have developed nanofibers that capture aerosol dropletsbetter while providing additional breathability.

Electrospinning uses strong electric fields to stretch polymer solutions or droplets into extremely thin fibers, typically between 15 and 300 nm in diameter.

When used in face mask technology, its compact size offers a number of advantages, including improved comfort and advanced protection.

 

Benefits Of Nanofiber Fabric & Masks

Typical N95 masks use polypropylene microfibers, which are orders of magnitude thicker. Most nanofiber masks are also made of polypropylene, but electrospinning allows for additional variety, which is why some manufacturers are looking into greener materials such as cellulose acetate or urethane from renewable carbon.

Nanofibers make good filters mostly because of two factors: mechanical and electrostatic interactions with aerosol particles. For this reason, nonwoven fabrics—such as those obtained by electrospinning—are more efficient at intercepting small particles. On top of that, nanofibers have higher adsorption surface areas, giving them a greater ability to capture droplets and particles.

Nanofibers also make masks more comfortable. They allow more air to pass with the same filtration efficiency. The main reason for this is physics—specifically, the resistance that the air meets when flowing through the mask, commonly known as pressure drop. Because of the intricate microscopic hair-like design, the mask is lightweight and hence incredibly breathable. It’s not just a piece of cloth covering your face; it’s a substance that cooperates with your body to keep cells out while allowing air to enter, preventing you from feeling congested or smothered. This makes it possible to control temperature more effectively. More airflow reduces the “humid” sensation that makes you feel as though the mask is a part of your face rather than your face is perspiring into the mask.

References:

• https://cen.acs.org/materials/nanomaterials/Nanofibers-put-new-spin-COVID/98/i45#:~:text=Typical%20N95%20masks%20use%20polypropylene,or%20urethane%20from%20renewable%20carbon.
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8066241/
• https://www.respilon.com/news/respirators-versus-nanofiber-face-masks-how-do-they-protect-you/