Mesh size is certainly relevant but the ability of a fabric to readily absorb moisture, water and lipids (oil, grease) is equally as important. The moisture absorbing properties of cotton, wool and polyester are vastly different.

Yes, but this is where the scientists should be making things clear for us, not more opaque.  You can treat the surface of the non-absorbent fibers so that they collect moisture on their surfaces.  Wide weave cotton will let particles through.  We shouldn't have to figure this out on our own.

Duke is in North Carolina, the heart of the textile industry  Duke has a materials science program.  A somewhat famous inventor and polymer expert, Joe Desimone, is right down the road at UNC.  Just surprising that they didn't go farther.  It's all right there to do some really important work.

The authors of the paper did the bare minimum to shine a light on their patent application, then bailed out.  The article I just posted is mostly them tying to explain why they didn't do more.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_DeSimone

Edited August 12, 20204 yr by Zed Head

Don't get in to a shouting match about mask wearing in a closet.  Latest advice.

https://www.businessinsider.com/6-foot-distancing-rule-is-outdated-oxford-mit-new-system-2020-8