As the core material of protective masks, the quality of polypropylene meltblown nonwoven fabrics cannot be emphasized too much. Especially recently in response to the urgent market demand, many companies switch to the production of meltblown nonwovens, but their products cannot be used for the production of protective masks because of failing to meet technical requirements for key indicators, such as filtration efficiency.

The two existing industry standards on meltblown nonwovens only specify requirements for breadth and mass per unit of such fabrics, while key indicators essential for protective masks are not included. Currently, the manufacturing of melt-blown non-woven mainly conforms to enterprise standards, which have varying requirements for key indicators.

For this reason, Jiangsu Textile Association published the first association standard for polypropylene meltblown nonwovens used for masks (T/JSFZXH 001-2020) on April 23, which came into effect on April 26.

It specifies requirements for raw materials of polypropylene meltblown nonwovens used in masks, product grading, basic technical requirements, testing and inspection methods as well as requirements for product labeling. Main technical indicators defined in the standard include particulate and bacteria filtration efficiency, breaking force, mass deviation per unit and exterior quality requirements.

According to the standard, melt-blown nonwoven products shall be graded by filtration efficiency from KN 30, KN 60, KN 80, KN 90, KN 95 to KN 100. It also stipulates that the raw material used shall meet the requirements of GB/T 30923-2014, Plastics — Polypropylene materials for meltblown, and restricts the use of toxic and hazardous substances. Depending on the requirements of different types of masks, the standard sets out specific requirements for particulate and bacteria filtration efficiency of meltblown nonwovens.

The association standard will help enterprises fulfill requirements for key indicators, improve product standard and produce meltblown nonwovens compliant with regulations. It can thereby help regulate market order and provide technical support for ensuring the quality of products protecting people against COVID-19.