Research Highlights Efficiency of Face Masks and Domestic Manufacturing Strength in the United States
By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA
(Lubbock, USA – February 28, 2025) – The COVID-19 pandemic tested the domestic manufacturing capabilities of many nations, especially in producing filters and personal protective equipment (PPE). Filters and protective garments, which are part of the advanced textiles sector, present significant opportunities for manufacturers, even in developed economies.
To support domestic manufacturing of essential PPE, the United States has imposed a tariff on imported face masks. Effective March 4, the tariff on face masks imported from China will be set at 35%, following a policy introduced by former President Donald Trump.
Research on Face Mask Efficiency at Texas Tech University
Recent research conducted at the Nonwovens and Advanced Materials Laboratory at Texas Tech University examined the filtration efficiency of various face masks distributed by the U.S. Administration during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study focused on masks such as N95 and R95 respirators, known for their high filtration efficiency. Aerosolized particles, similar in size to viruses and bacteria, were used to evaluate the masks’ performance.
The findings revealed that facepiece respirators offered the highest level of filtration efficiency, providing superior protection against fine and sub-micron particles. For larger particles, such as those found in smoke, well-fitting three-layered masks proved to be effective. The study also highlighted that high-quality domestically manufactured masks outperformed imported ones in filtering larger particles.
According to the World Health Organization, lung cancer accounts for 14% of global deaths, while 9% are due to chronic pulmonary diseases. The use of comfortable and effective face masks can significantly reduce such risks.
Addressing Air Pollution Challenges
Multi-layered, comfortable, and well-fitting face masks can be valuable in areas with high air pollution and wildfire smoke, such as California and cities like New Delhi. The research emphasized the potential for developing high-efficiency masks using lightweight cotton nonwovens. This is made possible by advanced nonwoven machinery, such as the MicroPunch technology introduced by DiloGroup at ITMA 2023.
Focus on Innovation and Sustainability
The study suggests that the industry should prioritize research and development focused on the comfort, reusability, and recyclability of facepiece respirators. Advancements in these areas could enhance the long-term sustainability of face mask production and usage.
The research findings were featured on the cover page of the February 2025 issue of TAPPI Journal, a peer-reviewed and open-access publication by the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry. Faizur Rahman and Mirza Khyum also contributed to this significant study.