Potential use of biodegradable polymers for facemask filter inserts produced using electrospinning methods

Abstract

The elevated use of petroleum-based polymers to manufacture single-use disposable face masks is a serious environmental concern that has detrimental effects on the ecosystem. The research on using biodegradable facemasks is promising to reduce the environmental impacts of the single-use non-degradable facemask. A reusable cloth-based facemask with effective filtration could benefit society. Many studies suggest polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), and polylactic acid (PLA) as viable biopolymers for facemask filter layer fabrication. In this work, an electrospun filter layer inserts with PVA, PBAT, and PLA polymers were produced by depositing electrospun nanofibers on non-woven cotton layers followed by conventional sealing. The fabricated filter inserts were used in cloth-based facemasks and were tested for filtration efficiencies and breathability. PVA facemask insert showed the best performance with 66.7% filtration efficiency and breathability of 0.66 m bar, whereas the lowest filtration efficiency was found for PBAT electrospun filter medium. The relation between filter membrane morphology and facemask performance indicates that a smaller diameter and uniform morphology results in better filtration and breathability of the facemask filter inserts. Highlights: Petroleum-based facemasks harm ecosystems. Biodegradable facemasks reduce environmental impact. Electrospun nanofibers of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate, and polylactic acid on cotton. PVA insert showed 66.7% filtration and 0.66 m bar breathability. Smaller, uniform fibers enhance filtration and breathability.