Rolla researchers at Missouri S&T says materials found at home can make great masks

(Rolla)–A team of researchers at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla has found that several layers of household air filters can achieve filtration performance similar to masks rated N95 – masks that capture 95% of particles. The researchers studied the filtration performance of non-medical materials and recommend making homemade face masks with a combination of fibrous and fabric materials. They say the materials will sufficiently remove aerosols and avoid the inhalation of fiber fragments generated during the cutting and folding of the filters. Dr. Yang Wang, assistant professor of environmental engineering at Missouri S&T, says, “Our research looked at vacuum bags, coffee filters, activated carbon filters and various types of fabrics.” The Missouri S&T research team found that fibrous filters, such as vacuum and coffee filters, can achieve a filtration efficiency and flow resistance similar to that of N95-rated mask materials. They also found that fabrics, such as a scarf, bandana, or pillowcases are less inefficient for collecting aerosols. “It was hypothesized that the performance of household fabrics would not compare to the filter materials used in commercial medical filters,” says Wang. “But while evaluating four types of medical materials and thirteen types of non-medical materials, we found that fibrous filters, such as household air filters, can achieve a filtration efficiency and flow resistance similar to that of N95 mask materials.”