In the development of the “Guard1” style for OMYGUARDMASKS Ive compiled information from reliable and accredited sources who have specifically studied the filtration of domestically made masks versus FDA Approved n95 Mask and surgical mask.
Generic fabric Structures
Weaving is the process of combining warp and weft components to make a woven structure.... In weaving, lengthwise yarns are called warp; crosswise yarns are called weft, or filling. Most woven fabrics are made with their outer edges finished in a manner that avoids raveling; these are called selvages.
Knitted fabrics are fibrous structures characterized by a basic structure called loop, and are produced by the interlooping of one or more yarns. They can be produced using warp-knitting technology, and also by weft-knitting technology, producing fabrics with different characteristics and properties.
Nonwoven structures are ideal for providing barrier properties in apparel where such properties are desired. Individual randomly entangled fibers within the structure afford a high surface area for entrapping any number of substances that could be harmful to the wearer.
Stretch= Larger entry holes for droplets between yarns
Woven= Set entry between yarns
NonWoven= Random small spaces, high surface area fiber coverage
For comparison, woven garments stretch mainly along one or other of a related pair of directions that lie roughly diagonally between the warp and the weft, while contracting in the other direction of the pair (stretching and contracting with the bias), and are not very elastic, unless they are woven from stretchable material such as spandex.
Best performing fibers
“The texture turned out to be one of the more useful parameters to look at because we found that most of the cotton fabrics with raised threads tended to filter best,” said Weaver. “Our findings suggest that a fabric’s ability to filter particles is based on a complex interplay between material type, fiber and weave structures, and yarn count.”
-Weaver and Vicenz Nist.gov
Although the sample size was relatively small, the researchers noticed that tighter woven fabrics generally filtered better than knits and loosely woven fabrics. The 100% cotton fabrics with many raised fibers also appeared to filter better than cotton fabrics that lacked this feature. The raised fibers often form web-like structures similar to those in medical grade masks.-Jennifer H. Nist.gov
Making masks and personal protective equipment (PPE) with hydrophilic surfaces, where droplets of coronavirus spread out and dry faster, could reduce infection risk, researchers say.
-ScienceDaily.com
Heres what’s Hydrophilic means:
Fibers that like cotton, wool, and linen are naturally hydrophilic, but synthetic fibers such as polyester, acrylic, and modacrylic are naturally hydrophobic and have poor absorbency, so these fibers need help to have an attraction or a love of water, therefore a finish is necessary for hydrophilicity.
SITE IMAGE HIGHLIGHTS
SITE REFERENCE LIST
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Nist.gov
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ScienceDaily
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pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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Cnbc.com
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Medicalnewstoday.com
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Sciencealert.com
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CDC.gov
MASKS NOT TO WEAR
These Masks/coverings spread or offer no benefit to its wearer from COVID-19.
Knit T-shirt
Vents
Bandana
Neck Gaiter