"Non-Degradable Mask Filter? Biodegrades Within a Month" High-Performance Mask Filter Developed in Korea

Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology Research Team Develops 100% Decomposable Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Material

Commuters are hurrying on their way to work wearing masks at Sindorim Station in Guro-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the surge in mask waste has become a major concern due to non-degradable filters, but a filter that naturally decomposes within a month while maintaining excellent performance has been developed, attracting attention.

On the 22nd, the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology announced that the research team led by Drs. Hwang Seong-yeon, Oh Dong-yeop, and Park Je-young developed a new eco-friendly biodegradable mask filter that is 100% decomposable and also overcomes the drawbacks of existing mask filters.

Explanation material on the filter mechanisms of a typical petroleum-based mask filter production principle (left) and a biodegradable mask filter production principle (right). Provided by Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology

Masks, which have become essential for quarantine after COVID-19, cause serious environmental pollution as they cannot be decomposed or recycled. In particular, the filters are currently made of polypropylene, the same material used for plastic straws, which does not decompose in soil.

The research team reinforced polybutylene succinate (PBS), a representative biodegradable plastic, with their own technology to make it strong, then spun it into fine nanofibers and microfibers, layered these fibers to create nonwoven fabric, and finally coated it with chitosan nanowhiskers extracted from nature to complete the filter.

This filter uses two methods employed by existing mask filters: attracting external substances with the charge on the coated surface and filtering external substances like a sieve, thereby filtering out dust and bacteria. It was confirmed to block 98.3% of airborne particles (viruses, fine dust, and other external substances) sized 2.5 micrometers (um). This performance is comparable to the N95 filters currently sold on the market. The difference in breathing pressure before and after wearing the mask was measured at a low 59 pascals (Pa), indicating good breathability.

In particular, decomposition tests on waste after use showed that it biodegrades within 28 days in compost soil. This research was published as a cover paper in the March issue of the international journal 'Advanced Science.'

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