Acoustic Attenuation of COVID-19 Face Masks: Correlation to Fibrous Material Porosity, Mask Breathability and Bacterial Filtration Efficiency

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study on acoustic attenuation of different types of face masks in use by the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. In particular, measurements are performed on ten samples of masks, of which four are medical masks, three are respirators, and three are community masks. Breathability and Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) tests, in compliance to the standard characterization process of medical masks, are also carried out. The porosity on each layer composing the masks is measured by processing their scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The analysis of the results aims to establish if acoustic attenuation is correlated to any of these parameters. It emerges that porosity and breathability are strongly correlated to acoustic attenuation, while bacterial filtration efficiency is not.