Scientists called the combination of two fabrics the best material for homemade masks

SARS-CoV-2, the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19, is spread primarily through respiratory droplets -

when an infected person coughs, sneezes,speaks or breathes. These droplets come in a wide range of sizes, but the tiniest ones, called aerosols, can easily slip through holes between fabric fibers.

American doctors with engineersThe University of Chicago conducted an experiment in which an aerosol chamber was used to obtain liquid particles with a diameter of 10 nm to 6 μm - droplets of saliva with coronavirus can reach exactly these sizes. A fan blew aerosol through various tissue samples at an average air flow rate, and scientists analyzed which type of tissue passes the aerosol and which does not.

It turned out that one layer of dense wovena cotton sheet in combination with two layers of polyester-spandex-chiffon, a transparent fabric often used in evening gowns, filtered most aerosol particles (80-99%, depending on particle size). N95 medical masks have approximately the same protection indicators.

Despite the fact that wearing a mask is practically notprotects a person from infection with COVID-19, it reduces the possibility that a person will infect other people. This is especially true after the publication of studies that 60% of all infected did not feel the symptoms of the disease, although they were infected with coronavirus.