The performance test of single-use medical masks: physical characteristics

Authors

  • Sornsawan Sidthipong Occupational Health and Safety Hat Yai Hospital, Songkhla
  • Siva Sitthipong Physics Testing Laboratory, Industrial Metrology and Testing Service Centre, Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research, Samut Prakan
  • Nuttapong Niljrusvanit Physics Testing Laboratory, Industrial Metrology and Testing Service Centre, Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research, Samut Prakan
  • Nattapon Pornnumpa Physics Testing Laboratory, Industrial Metrology and Testing Service Centre, Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research, Samut Prakan
  • Phairote Sungkhaphaitoon Materials Science and Technology, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkhla University
  • Chaiyoot Meengam Faculty of Industrial Technology, Songkhla Rajabhat University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.60136/bas.v13.2024.1242

Keywords:

Spunbond, Meltblown, Single use mask, ASTM F2100-21, TIS 2424-2565

Abstract

This laboratory report aims to demonstrate methods for testing single-use face masks and report compliance or non-conformity regarding general characteristics, functional properties, and physical characteristics according to the single-use face mask industry product standard requirements (TIS 2424-2565). Physical characteristics testing is based on testing methods according to ASTM F2100-21. The test results showed that the tested mask had a pressure difference of 4 mmH2O/cm2, a resistance to permeability of liquids (synthetic blood) at a minimum pressure of 80 mmHg, face mask flame retardant test was classified in Class 1, and the particle filtration efficiency and bacterial filtration efficiency are 95.7% and 97.6%, respectively. This physical characteristic meets the testing criteria for single-use medical masks, Class 1. They can be tested for biological characteristics to confirm compliance with industrial product standard requirements. As for the study of face mask material properties and structure, results have been reported for manufacturers to analyze and improve to develop product standards further.

References

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British Standards Institution (BSI). Medical face masks - Requirements and test methods. BS EN 14683- 2019. London, United Kingdom: BSI; 2019.

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Standard test methods for resistance of medical face masks to penetration by synthetic blood (Horizontal projection of fixed volume at a known velocity). ASTM F1862/F1862M-17. West Conshohocken, United States of America: ASTM International; 2017.

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Published

07-06-2024

How to Cite

Sidthipong, S., Sitthipong, S., Niljrusvanit, N., Pornnumpa, N., Sungkhaphaitoon, P., & Meengam, C. (2024). The performance test of single-use medical masks: physical characteristics. Bulletin of Applied Sciences, 13(1), 52–65. https://doi.org/10.60136/bas.v13.2024.1242

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Section

Research article