Microstructure analysis and image-based modelling of face masks for COVID-19 virus protection
Microstructure analysis and image-based modelling of face masks for COVID-19 virus protection
复制标题
DOI：
10.1038/s43246-021-00160-z
复制
发表时间：
2021-06-22
影响因子：
7.8
通讯作者：
Shearing, Paul R.
中科院分区：
文献类型：
--
作者：
Du, Wenjia;Iacoviello, Francesco;Shearing, Paul R.
SARS-CoV-2可能通过感染者释放的呼吸道飞沫传播。病毒在潮湿的飞沫中传播，从而导致冠状病毒疾病。许多国家都不同程度地强制要求佩戴口罩。然而，鉴于有限的微观结构信息，口罩的有效性还没有得到很好的合理解释。在这里，三种常见的口罩和相关的空气渗透揭示了结合X射线断层成像和红外热成像技术。从三维图像中提取了定量参数。此外，还进行了基于图像的建模来模拟渗透率，以显示液滴如何通过多孔结构。结果表明，N95面罩具有最小的平均孔径(接近30微米)和最致密的纳米纤维，在所有情况下提供了更好的液滴过滤能力。建议对N95口罩进行改进，以开发出效率更高、透气性更好的下一代口罩。
SARS-CoV-2 may spread through respiratory droplets released by infected individuals. The viruses are transmitted in moist droplets which cause coronavirus disease. Many countries have mandated the wearing of face masks, to various extents. However, the efficacy of masks is yet to be well rationalised given the limited microstructure information. Here, three common face masks and associated air permeations were revealed by coupling X-ray tomographic imaging and infrared thermal imaging techniques. Quantitative parameters have been extracted from the 3D images. Also, image-based modelling was performed to simulate the permeability to show how droplets pass through the porous structure. Our results show that the N95 mask has the smallest average pore diameter (similar to 30 mu m) and the densest nanoscale fibres which provides superior droplet filtration among all cases. Modifications to the N95 masks are proposed to develop the next generation mask with higher efficacy and better breathability.