Decontamination Assessment of Nanofiber-based N95 Masks

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Public Health
• Environmental Science

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly N95 masks, in curbing viral transmission.
• Shortages and waste management challenges associated with single-use N95 masks necessitate effective decontamination strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of various decontamination methods on the integrity and functionality of nanofiber-based N95 masks.
• To identify suitable decontamination techniques that preserve mask microstructure and filtration efficiency.

Main Methods:

• N95 masks were subjected to decontamination using 70% ethanol, bleaching, boiling, steaming, ironing, autoclaving, oven treatment, microwave (MW), and ultraviolet (UV) light.
• Filtration efficiency was measured using Particle Filtration Efficiency equipment.
• Morphology and microstructure were analyzed using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM).

Main Results:

• 70% ethanol significantly reduced filtration efficiency to 57.33% and altered mask microstructure.
• Bleaching, boiling, steaming, ironing, and oven treatment decreased filtration efficiency to approximately 80% and caused some morphological changes.
• Autoclaving and UV light exposure showed no significant reduction in filtration efficiency or microstructural damage.

Conclusions:

• Autoclaving and UV light exposure are recommended as preferable methods for decontaminating nanofiber-based N95 masks.
• These methods effectively maintain the structural integrity and filtration capabilities of the masks.
• Avoidance of chemical and heat-based methods like ethanol, bleaching, and boiling is advised to preserve mask functionality.