Recent advances and future perspectives in engineering biodegradable face masks

The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and airborne particulate matter pollution have caused a surge in the consumption of face masks in recent years. Typically, face masks are made from nondegradable petroleum-derived nonwoven materials adding to global plastic pollution and aggravating environment...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of materials chemistry. A, Materials for energy and sustainability Materials for energy and sustainability, 2023-01, Vol.11 (4), p.1575-1592
Main Authors: Athukoralalage, Sandya S. A, Bell, Craig A, Gemmell, Anna C, Rowan, Alan E, Amiralian, Nasim
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Air pollution
Airborne particulates
Biodegradability
Biodegradation
COVID-19
Face
Masks
Pandemics
Particulate emissions
Particulate matter
Plastic pollution
Pollution
Product development
Protective equipment
Shelf life
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Summary:The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and airborne particulate matter pollution have caused a surge in the consumption of face masks in recent years. Typically, face masks are made from nondegradable petroleum-derived nonwoven materials adding to global plastic pollution and aggravating environmental concerns. Therefore, it is important to fabricate sustainable biodegradable replacements. This review intends to highlight and discuss state-of-the-art research activities that centre on the development of biodegradable nonwoven materials for face mask applications. We also identify potential candidates and strategies for future research and product development efforts. Finally, we present our perspectives on a wide avenue in need of further exploration concerning materials, methods, advanced functionalities, cost, scalability, and shelf life of sustainable advanced face masks. Development of biodegradable and functionalised face mask nonwovens to address the plastic pollution issue generated by disposable face masks.
ISSN:2050-7488
2050-7496
DOI:10.1039/d2ta08019b