Development and Testing of Copper Filters for Efficient Application in Half-Face Masks

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 is the causative agent of severe acute respiratory diseases. Its main transmission pathway is through large and small respiratory droplets, as well as a direct and indirect contact. In this paper, we present the results of the development and research of copper filters produced by powder technology. Four types of copper powders were tested. Technological parameters, a microstructure, an energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and fractography of copper (Cu) filters are reported. The pressure losses in the P-Cu-AW315 filter showed a very favorable value for using the filter in half-face masks that meet the requirements of European norms (EN). An X-ray tomography measurement was carried out at the I12-JEEP beamline. A relative volume of grains and pores was estimated (on the basis of the segmentation results) to be approximately 50% to 50% of the investigated filter volume.

Keywords

• copper filters
• face mask
• SARS-CoV
• pressure losses
• permeability
• X-ray tomography