[SML] Safety of carbon fiber masks/heads

[Dale Farmer]

I looked into this for some hobby projects a couple years ago. 
Basically it is very similar to the hazards of working with fiberglass. 
  That is to say, fabricating the masks is moderately hazardous.  The 
cut fibers get everywhere, and they will stick into your skin and be 
incredibly irritating.  The resins used to turn the fiber mats and 
strands into unitary peices are often toxic until they are cured.  Once 
cured, and the actual fibers are not exposed to surface abrasion, it is 
basically inert.   If you need to drill holes or something like that 
into a finished peice, the insides of the holes, and any dust produced 
need to be cleaned up and sealed.
   The chemical hazards are basically nil for this sort of application. 
  Ensure that the CF cloth is not exposed to the air, mostly as it would 
be an ideal medium for mold to grow in, being warm and sweaty on a 
regular basis.
    I declined to use it, because the uncured resins are toxic, and the 
fiber dust is a PITA to clean up.   I ended up using vacuform plastics. 
  More fragile, but cheap and easy to have spares made up as needed.

Dale


On 9/7/2022 1:45 PM, Michael Sauder via Stagecraft wrote:
> I had a millinery ask if I had any knowledge or contacts to ask about
> if she should cover some carbon fiber heads with a layer of resin. To
> be clear, these are hollow heads that performers are wearing, so
> they're breathing is in close contact to the carbon fiber.
> 
> As I deal in the world of computers and the like, this is outside of
> my wheelhouse, but it seems like exactly the kind of thing that some
> people on this list might know. Here's what she has to say:
> 
> "I was wondering if you happen to know anyone who works with Carbon fiber.
> We had some new polar heads made and the guy was like very gungho on
> us going the carbon fiber route- which i know is lighter and stronger,
> but not much else.
> 
> I now have the heads and based on the experience working with the
> maker, have concerns about the safety of putting a dancer breathing in
> them, never mind the handling I do to cover with fur/hat and mount the
> helmet.
> 
> Since you are also make- I wondered if you knew someone who could
> advise me on whether I need to coat the inside - where there should be
> a resin layer seems quite sparse in places and I like to worry. a
> quick google is a rabbit hole without clear advice for dancing bears.
> Or what a best quick coating would be."
> 
> Any advice for her?
> 
> Thanks!
> Michael
> 
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