These 2 Materials May Be Most Effective At Filtering Air Droplets

The study, published in the American Chemical Society's journal (ACS Nano), explains that COVID-19 is thought to be spread through the respiratory droplets of infected people. The researchers from the University of Chicago note that those respiratory droplets can vary in size2. The smallest droplets are called aerosols. 

While environmental factors, like humidity and temperature, largely determine how long these droplets will survive in the air, according to the study, larger droplets tend to settle due to gravity and don't travel as far. 

In the study, researchers mimicked small aerosol droplets by releasing particles from an aerosol mixing chamber, then blew them onto various types of cloth (flannel, satin, synthetic silk, and chiffon). They then measured the size of the droplets before and after passing through each variety of fabric. 

After testing all the fabrics, the researchers found tightly woven cotton worked as an effective barrier against particles, while the chiffon held a static charge. According to the study, small particles can bind to the static in the fibers rather than passing through—this is called an electrostatic barrier. 

Finally, the chiffon from that old bridesmaid dress you thought you'd never need again might be useful after all. Just keep in mind: When making your mask, it's important to ensure it fits properly.