Air-Filtering Masks Printed with Hydrophobic Ink: Comfortable Breathing and Semibiodegradable

This study explores the development and performance of hydrophobic ink contact-printed air-filtering (HAF) series masks (HAF and p-HAF), designed with a four-layer structure using PDMS-inked LEGO stamp contact printing. These masks demonstrate superior properties compared to commercial options like the N-95 mask, particularly in terms of removal efficiency, biodegradability, deodorization property, antibacterial property, and user comfort. The HAF mask, with its optimized hydrophilic outer surfaces and hydrophobic inner layer, maintains a low, consistent pressure drop, enhancing user comfort even in high humidity conditions. Notably, both HAF and p-HAF masks surpass textile deodorization standards, achieving deodorization rates of 83.9 and 87.1%, respectively, while effectively adsorbing odors and inhibiting bacterial growth. Furthermore, the masks exhibit outstanding recyclability over 50 cycles and show significant biodegradability in soil, with 24 and 35.4% decomposition in 10.7 weeks. This research suggests that the HAF mask is particularly suitable for humid environments and disposable applications, while the p-HAF is ideal for air filtration in air purifiers under everyday conditions.