Abstract:Objective To explore the differences in anti-blood penetration performance of different types of masks, study the influence of mask shape on blood penetration, and evaluate anti-blood penetration performance of masks. Methods Three types of masks were selected: medical protective masks (folded), KN95 masks (arched), and disposable surgical masks (flat), the surfaces of water repellent layer of masks were tested, morphological tracks of blood ejection and flow were observed by high-speed photography, and blood areas on the surface of masks under different conditions (pressure, distance, time) were calculated. Results The surfaces of masks were all hydrophobic (contact angle >130 °). Under standard conditions (120 mmHg, 30 cm), blood adhesion areas of medical protective masks (folded), KN95 masks (arched), and disposable surgical masks (flat) were 1.79, 2.53 and 4.72 cm2 respectively; under high pressure conditions (160 mmHg, 30 cm), blood adhesion area increased; under short distance conditions (120 mmHg, 15 cm), blood adhesion areas of medical protective masks (folded) and KN95 masks (arched) decreased, while disposable surgical masks (flat) increased; under high pressure ejection (60 seconds, 160 mmHg), the inner layer of KN95 mask (arched) appeared blood penetration. Conclusion Blood penetration performance of three types of masks all meet the highest standards at home and abroad. KN95 mask (arched) has the best liquid discharge and barrier performance, followed by medical protective masks (folded), however, under extreme conditions, KN95 mask (arched) failed due to blood penetration.