Coronavirus (COVID-19) has spread rapidly around the world. This virus is particularly contagious and can be transmitted from person to person through droplets and even through air. As a result, demand for qualified masks is soaring and surgical masks are one of the major forms of protection.
Melt blowing is a conventional fabrication method for microfibers and nanofibers. In this process a polymer melt is extruded through small nozzles surrounded by high speed blowing gas. The randomly deposited fibers form a nonwoven sheet product that can be used for filtration, absorbents, apparel and drug delivery systems.
Why do we need to inspect raw materials?
- The quality of raw materials is the most important factor in mask production - it will decide whether a mask is qualified or not
- Inspection can protect interests of mask factories in the event of any quality and/or quantity dispute with their raw material suppliers
- Representative sampling can help clients to demonstrate the quality of any dedicated parcel of raw materials
What do we do?
- Verify the cargo and/or warehouse tally
- Witness inspections
- Issue survey reports
- Offer on-site sampling for laboratory testing
- Provide professional test reports to ensure the quality of raw materials
How is the quality of melt-blown raw materials verified?
We conduct melt-blown raw material testing according to different standards and methods, including:
Item | Melt-blown raw material test | Standard and method |
1 | Fabric weight | ASTM D3776 |
2 | Color | Visual check |
3 | Width | Measurement |
4 | Material nature identity | In House method (By FT-IR) |
5 | Differential pressure (Delta P) | EN14683:2019 Annex C |
6 | Mean pore size | PMI |
7 | Thickness | ASTM D1777 |
8 | Tensile Strength (M.D. and C.D.) | ASTM D5035 |
9 | Elongation (M.D. and C.D.) | ASTM D5035 |
10 | Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) | ASTM F2101 |
11 | Sub-Micron Particulate Filtration Efficiency (PFE) at 0.1 micron PLS | ASTM F2299 |
12 | Flammability | 16 CFR 1610 |
13 | Microbial cleanliness | EN 14683 / EN ISO 11737-1 |
SGS has the experience to provide one-stop testing, inspection and certification solutions for surgical mask manufacturers, from examination of raw materials – melt-blown fabric, through ISO 14644-1 cleanroom certification, and ISO 13485 management system certification of cleanrooms, to end-product testing. We also offer inspection and sampling services for those raw materials.
To purchase this service/ get a quote, please visit TIC Mall.
For enquiries please click here
Units 303 & 305, 3/F, Building 22E,
Phase 3, Hong Kong Science Park,
Pak Shek Kok, New Territories,
Hong Kong, China