Hello Colleagues and Guests, once again:
I have received two interesting replies about face mask material and
wanted to pass the information along. Perhaps others might jump in with
their thoughts as well. Here is the information.
* Just a little extra information regarding Surlyn, it is roughly 96% low density polyethylene (LDPE). Low density polyethylene is attacked by oil exuded by our skin. The high percentage content of LDPE in Surlyn means that it becomes affected by the skin oil, weakens and can split when under load. Obviously some people have more oily skin than others and so the effect on the Surlyn differs from person to person. This is something to bear in mind when looking at your material choice. I would also stay clear of polycarbonate (Lexan, along with other trade names) as it notoriously difficult to mould(it is hygroscopic and thus needs to be pre-dried before moulding) with a very narrow moulding window.
* The more flexible the material, the more plasticizers there are in it which probably means more dioxin in it. If a face mask, especially for a burn patient were soaked in distilled water with carbon, that would remove much of the toxins.
Just a thought.
Wil Haines, CPO
MaxCare Bionics
Avon, IN 46123
