Plasma modification physical and mechanical properties of nonwoven materials of medical masks

Abstract The paper considers the influence of plasma flow of a high-frequency capacitive discharge at reduced pressure (as a potential sterilization tool) on the main physical and mechanical characteristics of a three-layer medical mask (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond). The treatment was carried out using argon and air as plasma-forming gases. It is shown that the breathability of the mask determines (limits) the breathability of the middle layer (meltblown). Plasma treatment in the modes under consideration does not significantly affect the air permeability and mechanical tensile strength of the composite layers of the mask. There is a slight increase in vapor permeability, an increase in the hygroscopic properties of the middle and inner layers, which indicates an improvement in the hygienic characteristics of the mask, but at the same time, the hydrophobicity of the outer layer is preserved. When plasma is used to sterilize medical masks, bacterial filtration efficiency and microbiological purity will be the main deciding factor.