Shape memory respirator mask for Covid-19
Ibebunjo, Kosisochi Fiona (2021)
Diplomityö
2021
School of Engineering Science, Kemiantekniikka
Kaikki oikeudet pidätetään.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2021062139219
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2021062139219
Tiivistelmä
The outbreak of Covid-19 has increased the demand for facemask and focused several research on producing masks that offer maximum protection. However, the level of protection a mask can offer depends on the mask type and mask fit which in turn depends on facial size and shape. Since face shapes and sizes are different, one mask size will not fit all faces.
In this research, Shape-memory polymers (SMP) based on polymers blends were studied as alternative polymers for making respirator masks that can change shape and size and be moulded or remoulded to fit any face. Different polymer blends with and without compatibilizers or additives were prepared into filaments by polymer extrusion. Successfully extruded blends were characterised and their shape memory behaviour alongside their mechanical properties, melting and crystallization behaviour, morphology, and self-healing behaviour were investigated.
Tensile tests showed the mechanical properties of the SMPs can be tuned by varying the composition of the polymers, compatibilizer and additive in blends. The melting transitions obtained from DSC were used to determine the reversible and fixing phase. SEM images showed all the blends exhibited phase separated morphology which improved on addition of compatibilizer and additive. Thermo-responsive shape memory test conducted on selected blends showed that the crystallization of the reversible phase and the physical interaction at the interface between the two phases in blend were responsible for the shape memory behaviour.
Following the results from characterization and shape memory tests, PLA/PCL blend with 30 wt.% PCL was selected as the best shape memory blend and printing material for the mask. Finally, the 3D printed respirator mask was thermally activated at 65◦C and fitted to different faces. The mask showed good shape memory behaviour and could be moulded and remoulded to fit different face shapes and sizes. In addition, the self-healing behaviour of the respirator mask was also investigated, and the mask was observed to heal from scratches placed on it.
The respirator mask designed in this study is for protection against Covid-19 transmission and solves several current facemask issues, such as fit and maximum protection, reusability, and waste minimization.
In this research, Shape-memory polymers (SMP) based on polymers blends were studied as alternative polymers for making respirator masks that can change shape and size and be moulded or remoulded to fit any face. Different polymer blends with and without compatibilizers or additives were prepared into filaments by polymer extrusion. Successfully extruded blends were characterised and their shape memory behaviour alongside their mechanical properties, melting and crystallization behaviour, morphology, and self-healing behaviour were investigated.
Tensile tests showed the mechanical properties of the SMPs can be tuned by varying the composition of the polymers, compatibilizer and additive in blends. The melting transitions obtained from DSC were used to determine the reversible and fixing phase. SEM images showed all the blends exhibited phase separated morphology which improved on addition of compatibilizer and additive. Thermo-responsive shape memory test conducted on selected blends showed that the crystallization of the reversible phase and the physical interaction at the interface between the two phases in blend were responsible for the shape memory behaviour.
Following the results from characterization and shape memory tests, PLA/PCL blend with 30 wt.% PCL was selected as the best shape memory blend and printing material for the mask. Finally, the 3D printed respirator mask was thermally activated at 65◦C and fitted to different faces. The mask showed good shape memory behaviour and could be moulded and remoulded to fit different face shapes and sizes. In addition, the self-healing behaviour of the respirator mask was also investigated, and the mask was observed to heal from scratches placed on it.
The respirator mask designed in this study is for protection against Covid-19 transmission and solves several current facemask issues, such as fit and maximum protection, reusability, and waste minimization.