PolyOne launches new additives to enhance the filtering ability of masks

PolyOne, a specialty polymer material company in Ohio, USA, has released a new functional additive for protective masks, which can improve the filtering effectiveness of masks and extend the life of masks.

 The additive is called MagIQ Non-Woven Electret Plus and is a new member of the Fiber Solutions product portfolio.

 N95 and surgical masks rely on a multi-layer structure, the middle layer is made of melt-blown non-woven fabric. This layer can filter aerosols and particles with bacteria and viruses, thereby protecting mask wearers and surrounding people.

 To enhance the particle blocking ability of the middle layer of the mask, during the mask manufacturing process, the fibers can be modified with additives during extrusion, and then enter the electret charging process. The charged fiber is better at filtering particles.

 Eng Lee, vice president and general manager of PolyOne Asia Pigment, said: "MagIQ non-woven electret enhanced version uses carefully selected raw materials and processes to allow the middle layer of the protective mask to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns."