Nanofiber

Nanofibers vs Melt-Blown in respiratory mask

AM11



Respiratory masks are mainly made of several non-woven layers consisting of spunbond and melt-blown that they usually are made of non-woven polypropylene fibers. The layer/layers of melt-blown play an important role in filtering the air from particle matters such as dust, bacteria, viruses…, and the spunbond is used as the protecting layers. As the number of layers in the mask increases, especially the melt-blown layer, the filtration efficiency increases. However, the increase in productivity is associated with an increase in cost and a drop in pressure (respiration reduction).
Nanofiber layer due to high porosity, high surface to volume ratio, and very small pores are brilliant for achieving high filtration of particles, microorganisms, and viruses as well as good breathability. Because of the high number of pores in nanofiber and also the small diameter these pores have, the possibility of good breathability and filtration above 95% are achievable.
In nanofiber technology-based masks, a layer of nanofibers is coated on the SMS fabric, which is a combination of two layers of spunbond and a melt-blown layer. That leads to an increase in filtration efficiency and breathability compared to the melt-blown layer. Nanofiber technology is recognized worldwide as an alternative to melt-blown fabrics.
According to the existing respirator standards, the nanofiber layer also has the following advantages compared to the melt-blown layer:
- Very lightweight and easy breathing through the mask
- Effective transportation of air and moisture through the mask
- No reduction in filtration capacity during wearing