Mask‐Type Acoustic Sensor Featuring a Conventional Disposable Mask Embedded with Electrospun Poly(styrene) Fiber Mats

Abstract

Disposable masks are widely used, particularly in medicine to prevent the spread of infections, as they afford hygiene and convenience. Recently, sensor‐integrated masks are explored for monitoring human voice and respiration. However, masks equipped with acoustic/respiration sensors containing nano/microfiber mats cannot be used as readily as conventional disposable masks because of their high material and manufacturing costs. To address these issues, in this article, a self‐power‐generating mask‐type acoustic/respiration sensor (MTAS) incorporated with electrospun atactic poly(styrene) (aPS) microfiber‐nonwoven mats is proposed. aPS is integral to the MTAS fabrication strategy as it is inexpensive and amenable to the one‐step production of charged electrospun microfiber mats. When subjected to acoustic waves, the MTAS generates a voltage corresponding to the sound pressure and frequency owing to its ferroelectric properties. Furthermore, when a tablet is connected to the mask worn by a subject who is vocalizing, the uttered words are converted into text on the tablet. Additionally, the MTAS worn by a person can output a voltage in response to breathing. Overall, the devised mask can pioneer the development of systems that can link voice and breathing in virtual spaces, enable real‐time translation of speech, and monitor respiratory diseases.

Keywords

• acoustic sensors
• disposable masks
• electrospinnings
• ferroelectrets
• microfibers
• poly(styrene)