Functionalized Polyurethane-Coated Fabric with High Breathability, Durability, Reusability, and Protection Ability

Transmission of pathogens via respiratory droplets can spread infections such as COVID-19. Wearing a mask hinders the spread of COVID-19 infection and has become mandatory in some cases. Although most masks are affordable and disposable, continual daily replacement is required due to their performance deterioration caused by washing and contamination. Hence, a urethane-reactive coating material comprising perfluoro-tert-butanol-hexamethylene diisocyanate is developed with highly hydrophobic and oleophobic properties to functionalize a polyurethane-coated fabric to bestow high breathability, durability, reusability, and protection ability. Its functions are maintained after scratch and wash testing, and its air permeability and water vapor transmittance rate (necessary for respiration) are unaffected. Its filtration efficiency of water droplets containing 100 nm polystyrene particles (similar in size to SARS-CoV-2) is increased due to its highly hydrophobic properties. In addition, it inhibits the adsorption of bovine serum albumin, the spike protein of COVID-19, and Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.