Tuneable and biodegradable poly(ester amide)s for disposable facemasks

TL;DR

This paper introduces biodegradable poly(ester amide) materials for disposable facemasks, combining high performance with environmental friendliness, and demonstrates their effective fabrication and filtration capabilities.

Contribution

Developed novel bio-sourced poly(ester amide) polymers with tunable properties for biodegradable facemask components, including filters and fibers.

Findings

Two polymer grades fully biodegrade within 35 days.

Filters achieved performance comparable to commercial masks.

Polymer properties can be tuned via ester/amide ratio and diol/diacid variation.

Abstract

The widespread use of disposable facemasks during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to environmental widespread concern due to microplastic pollution. Biodegradable disposable facemasks are a first step to reducing the environmental impact of pandemics. In this paper we present high-performance facemask components based on novel poly(ester amide) (PEA) grades synthesized from bio-sourced materials and processed into non-woven facemask components. PEA based polymers present an excellent compromise between mechanical performance and biodegradability. Importantly, the properties of the PEA can easily be tuned by changing the ratio of the ester and amides, or variation of diol and diacid part. We synthesized seven polymers which we optimized for biodegradability and processability. Among them, two grades combined electrospinning process compatibility with full degradation within 35 days, using a normalized biodegradation test. The ultra-thin filters thus developed were evaluated for performance on a custom-made characterization bench. The filters achieved a microparticle capture efficiency and breathability comparable to commercial filters. Another PEA grade was optimized to reach optimal visco-thermal properties that made it compatible with solvent-free melt-spinning process as demonstrated with continuous fibres production. Overall, our environmentally friendly solution paves the way for the fabrication of high-performance fibres with excellent biodegradability for the next generation facemasks.