The Center for Disease Control has recommended that the public should wear cloth face coverings in public settings. Face coverings and face shields  can be made by using Commonly Available Materials (CAMs). As part of the Sandia COVID-19 LDRD effort (funded under the Materials Science Investment Area), the Sandia E-PiPEline task evaluated  design options for face coverings and face shields considering their effectiveness, durability, build difficulty, build cost, and comfort. More than 200,000 design combinations were evaluated for face coverings using CAMs and more than 900 design combinations were evaluated for face shields using CAMs.

Face Covering Design Space Description

A large design space was examined for the face coverings (over 200,000 design combinations) using a systematic process. This design space using CAMs includes the following design options:

• Number of Layers: 1, 2, or 3
• Mask Material in Each Layer: (1) Tight Non-Woven Hydrophilic Coated Polypropylene Based, (2), Non-Woven Polypropylene Based, (3) Non-Woven Polypropylene/Polyester Blend Based, (4) Lignocellulosic Based; (5) Non-Woven Cohesive Polyester/Elastomer Blend Based; (6) Woven Cotton Based <600 Thread Count Based; or (7)  Tight-Woven Cotton Based >600 Thread Count Based
• Layer Connection Location: Around Edge, Around Edges and Center, or None
• Layer Connection Mechanism: Staple, Glue, Sew, Friction, or None
• Strap Attachment Material: Same as Layer 1, Same as Layer 2, Same as Layer 3, Elastic Band, Tourniquet Band, Velcro Straps, Rubber Band, Cohesive Bandage, or Latex Gloves
• Strap Attachment Mechanism: Staple, Glue, Sew, Tape, Compression, or Integrated

Face Shield Design Space Description

The face shield design space (900 design combinations) using a systematic process includes the following CAM design options:

• Shield Material: Cellulose Acetate, Polypropylene & Vinyl, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Polypropylene, or Polyester
• Structure: Foam, Safety Glasses, Velcro Straps, Cardboard, Tongue Depressor, or Rolled Paper
• Strap Attachment Material: Rubber Band, Cotton Fabric, Velcro Straps, Cohesive Bandage, Elastic Band, or Latex Gloves
• Strap Attachment Mechanism: Staple, Glue, Sew, Tape, or Compression

Observations for the design of face coverings and face shields using commonly available materials (CAMs) are provided in the downloadable PDFs at right.

NEITHER NTESS, THE GOVERNMENT, NOR ANY OF THEIR AGENTS, OFFICERS OR EMPLOYEES 1) MAKES ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR 2) ASSUMES ANY LEGAL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, OR USEFULNESS OF ANY INFORMATION OR PRODUCT DISCLOSED HEREIN OR REPRESENTS THAT THEIR USES WOULD NOT INFRINGE PRIVATELY OWNED RIGHTS.

SAND2020-5820R