Manufacturing process of PDMS facial mask
Andrews Souza, Filipe BarbosaAbstract
At the present time, the acute
respiratory syndrome (SARS-COV-2) that causes Covid-19 has become a global
pandemic. This disease is characterized by causing serious infections of the
respiratory tract in humans, without any defined treatment and vaccine. Knowing
that their transmission is through close contact from person to person,
measures to slow down have been taken, including social distance and the use of
personal protective equipment (PPE). Among these PPE, masks became one of the
indispensable pieces during the pandemic, but the current models hinder the
interpersonal communication of health professionals, cause environmental
problems because they are not reusable, in addition to causing skin irritation
and discomfort.
Therefore, this work aimed at the development of transparent, reusable and biocompatible masks. Two mask manufacturing processes were used, which consisted of: designing mold (matrix and positive) in 3D CAD software (Fusion 360 and SolidiWorks), and printing these on a 3D printer. After printing the models, the matrix was used to create the mold in two parts of polyurethane resin, and then the PDMS was poured by gravity in both molds. After waiting for the silicone to cure, the masks were demoulded. The processes used proved to be effective for the manufacture of transparent, reusable and biocompatible masks suitable not only for the use of health professionals but also for the population in general.