Grantee Research Project Results
Developing reusable and antiviral face masks from plastic waste
EPA Grant Number: SU840685Title: Developing reusable and antiviral face masks from plastic waste
Investigators: Gao, Huipu , Sarkar, Ajoy K. , Islam, Md Imranul
Institution: Fashion Institute of Technology
EPA Project Officer: Brooks, Donald
Phase: I
Project Period: January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025
Project Amount: $75,000
RFA: 20th Annual P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet Request for Applications (RFA) (2023) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air , Airborne Particulate Matter Health Effects , Environment , P3 Awards , Air Quality and Air Toxics , Land and Waste Management
Description:
The project will be conducted over four phases, led by the student team with supervision by the PI and Co-PIs. Phase 1 will be devoted to the collection and characterization of plastic waste and discarded face masks. Phase 2 includes the development and evaluation of reusable nanofiber filters. Phase 3 will focus on the fabrication and evaluation of a 3D-printed face mask. Phase 4 efforts will focus on the dissemination of results via multiple avenues to reach a broad community. The project firmly embodies the P3 strategic principles by developing a high-value-added sustainable reusable face mask from plastic waste to replace the single-use face mask. This project will provide invaluable education opportunities on sustainability principles by directly involving undergraduate students throughout the research, incorporating the project into multiple courses, and disseminating the research outcomes to a national audience.
Objective:
The aim of this P3 project is to develop reusable face masks composed of antiviral electrospun nanofiber filters made from recycled polystyrene and 3D-printed mask frames made with discarded single-use face masks. Plastic waste is a major municipal solid waste (MSW) in the United States. Polystyrene is a common plastic waste found in Styrofoam and food packaging materials. These wastes are non-biodegradable and remain in the environment for hundreds of years, causing a huge impact on the environment and human health. Another source of pollution is the billions of single-use, petroleum-based face masks disposed of annually during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current project is designed to address these twin pollution challenges by converting these wastes into reusable antiviral face masks. Additionally, making face masks reusable will mitigate future potential pollution caused by disposable face masks. This research will benefit people not only by diverting waste from landfills but also by providing face masks that are more affordable and protective.
Expected Results:
The potential project outcome will be next-generation reusable antiviral face masks made from plastic waste and discarded face masks. The measure of success is the demonstration of similar or higher filtration efficiency and breathability than disposable face masks after multiple washings and disinfection. The project output will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conferences, prototype demonstrations, project reports, seminars, and the P3 Expo.
Supplemental Keywords:
Waste to value, Nanotechnology, Design for the environment, Reusable face masks, Waste minimizationThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.