Research progress in preparation, properties, and applications of medical protective fiber materials

Xiaolong Su; Chao Jia; Hengxue Xiang; Meifang Zhu

doi:10.1016/j.apmt.2023.101792

Research progress in preparation, properties, and applications of medical protective fiber materials

Appl Mater Today. 2023 Jun:32:101792. doi: 10.1016/j.apmt.2023.101792. Epub 2023 Mar 10.

Authors

Xiaolong Su¹, Chao Jia¹, Hengxue Xiang¹, Meifang Zhu¹

Affiliation

¹ State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China.

Abstract

A variety of public health events seriously threaten human life and health, especially the outbreak of COVID-19 at the end of 2019 has caused a serious impact on human production and life. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the most effective ways to prevent infection and stop the spread of the virus. Medical protective fiber materials have become the first choice for PPE because of their excellent barrier properties and breathability. In this article, we systematically review the latest progress in preparation technologies, properties, and applications of medical protective fiber materials. We first summarize the technological characteristics of different fiber preparation methods and compare their advantages and disadvantages. Then the barrier properties, comfort, and mechanical properties of the medical protective fiber materials used in PPE are discussed. After that, the applications of medical protective fibers in PPE are introduced, and protective clothing and masks are discussed in detail. Finally, the current status, future development trend, and existing challenges of medical protective fiber materials are summarized.

Keywords: Applications; Medical protective fibers; Personal protective equipment; Properties; Spinning technologies.

Publication types

Review