We use them all the time, but what are face masks actually made of? How does the filter effect work?

The SARS-CoV-2 virus is released into the ambient air mainly by aerosol particles emitted by infected persons when they breathe. Therefore, the main route of transmission over short distances is droplet infection. Masks can reduce the rate of infection and have, therefore, become very popular since the beginning of the pandemic. The vidoe explains what they are made of and how they work.

Overall, there is still much room to further improve the properties and functions of the masks. PP nonwovens could be replaced with more environmentally friendly fabrics, masks could be coated to destroy viruses and microorganisms, etc.

 

Reference

• Jens Köhler, Anne Thoma, Susanne Braun, Andrij Pich, Andreas Herrmann, Bedeutung von Makromolekülen im Kampf gegen das Coronavirus, Chem. Unserer Zeit 2021. https://doi.org/10.1002/ciuz.202100024

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Also of Interest

• • ChemistryViews Collection:
    SARS-CoV-2 Virus – What We Know About Vaccines and Immunity
  • Video: What Are Swabs for Coronavirus Tests Made of?
  • Video on how a Coronavirus quick test works (in German) at FazinationChemie.de of the GDCh