Bio-Inspired Dry Adhesives
Abstract
Earlier project activities demonstrated that half-face respirators integrated with fibrillar polymer structures provide much higher overall fit factors (FFoverall) against challenging facial skin conditions (including unshaved, wet and wet-unshaved) when compared with a conventional (non-modified) half-mask elastomeric respirator. The previous report covered the initiation of comprehensive evaluation of polyurethane microfibrillar arrays integrated with half-face respirator mask using the NIOSH 25-subject bivariate panel; this effort was continued into this reporting period. So far, a full panel of 25 subjects have been medically cleared and tested with modified half-face respirator masks. This report covers fit testing of the 25-subjects, and presents detailed test data and their analysis. The immediate plans in project emphasize: (1) evaluation of the scalability and commercial merits of mask respirators with bio-inspired adhesive integrated into their peripheral seals; and (2) assessment of the competitive position of the new bio-inspired adhesives in broader fields of application.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA579444
Entities
People
- Anagi M. Balachandra
- Lu Jie
- P. Soroushian