Introduction to the Composition, Specifications and Application Standards of Non-woven Fabrics for Masks - Huaye Lecture Hall

Today, we will popularize the classification of commonly used masks on the market and the composition of non-woven fabrics in masks.

First of all, the commonly used masks on the market are divided into two major categories: flat masks and three-dimensional masks. Below, we will find two actual pictures to show you.

In terms of structure, a flat mask generally consists of three layers: spunbond non-woven fabric - melt-blown non-woven fabric - spunbond non-woven fabric. The middle melt-blown non-woven fabric is the one that actually plays a filtering role. Therefore, the quality of this middle melt-blown non-woven fabric directly determines the filtering effect of the mask.

A better three-dimensional mask usually consists of five layers: spunbond non-woven fabric - melt-blown non-woven fabric - filter cotton - melt-blown non-woven fabric - spunbond non-woven fabric. The two layers of melt-blown non-woven fabric in the middle enable the three-dimensional mask to have a very strong filtering effect and can prevent PM2.5. However, compared with flat masks, three-dimensional masks have relatively poor air permeability. Therefore, some three-dimensional masks with higher prices are equipped with exhalation valves to ensure smooth breathing.

In terms of specifications and standards, flat masks are generally divided into three standards: 1. BFE95/99 (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) standard; 2. VFE99 (Viral Filtration Efficiency) standard; 3. PFE99 (Particulate Filtration Efficiency) standard.

Three-dimensional masks are generally classified into American standards and European standards. The American standards are usually divided into N90, N95, and N99, while the European standards are generally divided into FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3.

It is worth noting that the innermost layer of non-woven fabric in a flat mask is treated with hydrophilicity. This is to ensure that the water vapor generated during breathing can be absorbed by the non-woven fabric.

The above is the introduction to the composition, specifications and application standards of non-woven fabrics for masks.

Key Terminology Explanation (for Clarity)

• Spunbond non-woven fabric: A type of non-woven fabric made by extruding, stretching, and bonding polymer fibers. It has high strength and good toughness, mainly used as the inner and outer protective layers of masks to support the structure and block large particles.

• Melt-blown non-woven fabric: A core filtering material made by high-speed hot air blowing to stretch polymer melts into ultra-fine fibers, which are then bonded. It has a dense structure and strong ability to filter tiny particles (such as bacteria, viruses, PM2.5).

• Filter cotton: An auxiliary filtering material added between melt-blown layers in high-performance three-dimensional masks to further enhance the interception effect of fine particles.

• Exhalation valve: A one-way valve device installed on three-dimensional masks. It opens when exhaling to discharge hot and humid air (reducing stuffiness) and closes when inhaling to ensure the air passes through the filtering layers (maintaining protection).