Quick-fit Method for Assessing Quality of Fabrics used for Home-made face Masks- Lusaka Zambia

Abstract

We report a quick, non-standard informative test method for assessing quality of fabrics intended for making facemasks. Highly efficient N95 facemasks masks are costly in Zambia (about US$ 1.20) hence need for cheap alternative facemask materials. Various materials were tested for filtration efficiency, breathability and effect of washing and ironing on these parameters. Filtration efficiency and breathability for monolayer-unwashed showed from highest to lowest; Java (98.00±1.40%,16754.7Pa/cm2), Telela (12.20±1.0%, 18.9 Pa/cm2); monolayer-washed; Cotton(200) pillow-case (87.1±0.1%,217Pa/cm2),Telela (16.5±0.1%,75.5Pa/cm2). Bilayer-unwashed; Java (99.7±0.1,25669.8Pa/cm2), Telela (59.5±3.5,47.2Pa/cm2), bilayer-washed and ironed; Java (99.7±0.1%,11603.8Pa/cm2), Telela (61.0±1.0%,113.2 Pa/cm2). The plain-inner with outer-honeycomb combination, was; grey (59.2±1.0%,150.9Pa/cm2) , black (52.8±0.8%,245.3Pa/cm2 ), yellow-khaki (99.3±0.3%, 490.6Pa/cm2 ) and stiffener (46.1±0.1%,18.9Pa/cm2). Results show that fabrics available are suitable for fabricating masks. Filtration efficiency increased while breathability remained within appreciable values compared with the reference. Washing and ironing had no significant effect on monolayers. Significance (p=0.0006) was shown when monolayer and bilayer fabrics were compared.