NAME: SWAGATAM DAS
ROLL NO. : 170122046
BRANCH: CST
PHONE NO.:7003766250
EMAIL:
[email protected] CONSUMER CHEMISTRY
ASSIGNMENT
TOPIC: PROTECTION MASK( N95)
Here is a breakdown of what an N95 mask
is:
N: This is a Respirator Rating Letter Class. It stands for “Non-Oil”
meaning that if no oil-based particulates are present. Other masks
ratings are R (resistant to oil for 8 hours) and P (oil proof).
95: Masks ending in a 95, have a 95 percent efficiency. Masks ending
in a 99 have a 99 percent efficiency.
.3 microns: The masks filter out contaminants like dusts, mists and
fumes.
Material: The filtration material on the mask is an electrostatic non-
woven polypropylene fibre.
Valve: Some disposable N95 masks come with an optional exhalation
valve.
WHAT’S THE SCIENCE BEHIND N95
FILTER?
The short answer to the question "What's the science behind the N95
filter?" is that it is what's called a tortuous path filter, removing
particulates from a flow of contaminated air by impact and absorption of
the particulate onto the filter material or by trapping particles of sufficient
size between the fibres constituting the filter.
The term N95 comes from the NIOSH (National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health, a body of the US government) rating
where the 95 means that the material is certified to block 95% of particles
0.3 μm or larger in diameter. The limiting factor toward achieving the
stated level of performance during usage is how well the mask seals to the
face of the user. Whiskers, dirt and improper fit can all allow a larger
portion of particles to circumvent the filter material.
HOW ARE N95 CHARGED FOR FUNCTION?
ELECTROSTATIC ASSISTED MELT BLOWN PROCESS
ELECTROSTATIC ASSISTED MELT BLOWN
PROCESS:
The polymer resin is fed into the extruder where it is heated and melted until it
reaches appropriate temperature and viscosity. The molten polymer is then fed to the
metering pump . This is to ensure uniform polymer feed to the spinning Head. The
spinning head has a rectangular shape of about 30 cm in length and is made of steel. It is
also heated by a pair of heating rods. There are more than 500 orifices distributed in the
middle of the spinning head, and the melt exits the spinning head through the orifices and
is drawn into filaments at the orifices by hot air from the air passage. Placed adjacent to
the spinning head is a grounded copper frame through which the polymer fibre melts are
blown. The collecting mesh is connected to a negative high-voltage DC power source to
supply a high-voltage electrostatic field between the frame and the mesh.
Polypropylene the main
polymer behind the fibres of N95.
Here, the high-voltage electrostatic field is applied between the copper frame
positioned 2 cm away from the MB head and the collecting mesh, where the electric
field intensity is simply treated as a rectangular uniform electric field. The distance
between the copper frame and collecting mesh can be adjusted. Polypropylene pellets
were fed into the hopper and melted in the extruder. The molten polymer was then
extruded out of the spinning head and drawn by the high-velocity hot air.
Simultaneously, the electrostatic field between the frame and the mesh helped
attenuate fibre diameter to form microfibers. Finally, the fabric was formed on the
collecting mesh.
The electrostatic-assisted melt-blown process explores a larger voltage and
longer action distance and operating time.
Polypropylene microfibers
prepared in this way showed
smaller fibre diameter and more
concentrated size distribution.
HOW ARE N95 DIFFERENT FROM
SURGICAL MASKS?
CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF N95
RESPIRATORS:
1) N95 respirators ONLY filter out particulate
contaminants.
2) N95 respirators do not protect you from:
Chemical vapours/ gases
Oxygen deficient atmosphere
High risk exposures such as those created
by aerosol-generating procedures
(i.e., bronchoscopy, autopsy) and asbestos handling.
3) N95 respirators are disposable – one time use only.
4) It should also be discarded when it becomes damaged or
deformed; no longer forms an effective seal to the face.
THANK YOU
Good wishes for you and your family.
