A vaccine for coronavirus may have arrived, but it is still important that we all remain masked for the time being. There are many styles of face coverings now worn by people. People wear what they have. But how powerful are these various face masks? The design of a face mask has a significant impact on its effectiveness. Fortunately, companies are becoming more creative with masks, such as the antifog mask, which might have just solved all of our problems.
Before moving further it is important to know what an antifog mask is?
A surgical face mask with a filtration medium attached to the upper portion of the mask. It has an air impervious feature. The impervious factor prevents moist breath from rising above the upper portion of the mask. Also, helpful in fogging the mask’s wearer’s eyeglasses. Around all of the edges of the mask, impervious elements may be present.
A group of Bengaluru-based researchers has created a new antimicrobial mask that is water-resistant, reusable for up to 50 washes, and anti-fogging.
The mask was created in response to a special request for Covid-19 projects. By the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The team was led by MS Santosh and R Viswanatha at the Jyothy Institute of Technology’s Centre for Incubation, Innovation Research, and Consultancy (CIIRC).
Microorganisms, dust, particulate matter, droplets, and aerosols are all said to be covered by the mask. They have a silica nanoparticle-based water repellent coating and an antimicrobial coating made up of nanoparticles and quaternary ammonium salt.
“We crafted and patented the latest lotus leaf-shaped mask,” Santosh said. It has three layers and is very comfortable to wear. It has a special feature in that it is naturally antifogging, which would benefit those who wear spectacles. The mask is washable and reusable, with up to 50 washes of microbial resistance.”
The mask comes in five colors and two sizes, also with interchangeable ear loops (large and small).
The technology has a patent application and is also ready for commercialization, according to Santosh. The team plans to market the technology under the name ‘Aayudh,’ with the slogan ‘An Armour for Self-Defense.’
Also, with the second wave of coronavirus spreading throughout the state and region, the researchers have already developed 1,000 masks and are eager to scale it up.
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