Wet-Laid Nonwoven of Activated Carbon Fiber for Gas Adsorption Layer in Face Masks

In this study, activated carbon fiber (ACF) nonwovens were fabricated using a wet-laid nonwoven process to produce the gas removal layer for a face mask. Two types of polyethylene terephthalate fibers were used as binding fibers. The ammonia gas removal efficiency, mechanical properties, and particulate filtration performances of the fabricated ACF nonwovens were evaluated. The binders did not inhibit the ammonia gas removal efficiency of the ACF. The mechanical properties of the ACF nonwoven fabric could be adjusted based on the amount and composition of the binders. The composite nonwoven, including the ACF nonwoven layer, showed gas adsorption and excellent particulate filtration performances even after exposure to a moist environment. The composite nonwovens seemed to have the potential for a face mask with gas removal characteristics and excellent filtration performances.