Face masks and coronavirus

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A starter slide to help your students understand the science behind face masks.

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When you talk, cough or sneeze, you can spread the coronavirus to others in the form of respiratory droplets expelled into the air. Face masks trap these droplets. Simple masks made from cotton or polyester can be effective, although masks made from three layers are more effective.

Medical grade (N95) masks are designed to remove at least 95% of droplets. These are commonly three layers thick and are made mostly from tiny poly(propene) fibres. These fibres are less than a 1 x10^-6 m in diameter and are randomly arranged. The fibres are formed by extruding poly(propene) through a die with many small nozzles. These are then blown by hot air on to a conveyor where they stick together as they cool. Sometimes the poly(propene) fibres are given an electrostatic charge which can help them attract charged particles in the air. Some masks even have copper or zinc ions added to a layer. The copper and zinc ions are thought to attract viruses through ionic interactions.

Read about the current research into face coverings on Chemistry World.