Investigating Surgical Mask Thermal Degradation via X‐Ray Techniques for Efficient Reuse

Abstract

AbstractThe Covid‐19 crisis has led to a massive surge in the use of surgical masks worldwide, causing risks of shortages and high pollution. Reusing the masks may be promising to reduce such risks, especially since various decontamination techniques are being investigated. In this study, the thermal degradation of surgical masks was investigated using X‐ray‐based techniques such as XRD and XPS. Additional characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurements. XRD experiments reveal an increase in both crystal size and crystallinity of the mask with temperature until it is destroyed at 160 °C. However, XPS results show that there was no significant change in the surface chemistry of the mask, as no other chemical element has been detected in the mask heated up. Breathability has been proven compliant with standards until 150 °C.