A comparison study of the filtration behavior of air filtering materials of masks against inert and biological particles

Inert particles are widely used as surrogates for biological in filtration tests. However, there is always a concern that the different physical properties between inert and may affect efficiencies of filter media. In present study, particles, e.g. NaCl polystyrene latex (PSL), E.coli, B.sublitis, bovine serum albumin (BSA), endotoxin, were to evaluate filtering materials surgical mask N95-rated respirator. The results showed difference respirator tested was smaller than 0.02%. efficiency PSL lower E.coli B.subtilis with same aerodynamic diameter because larger interception lengths particles. average size range 20–600 nm similar. For monodisperse NaCl, BSA endotoxin 50–250 decreased above order due shapes, dielectric properties, multiply-charged fractions presented highest lowest when particle 300 nm, which could be related electrostatic deposition bounce probabilities. work revealed influence several characteristics such shape, property, charge state on should considered using common replace measure air filters.