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IIT-Madras develops tech for more efficient face masks

CHENNAI: A team of researchers from IIT-Madras have developed a nano-coated filter media to make face mask for healthcare workers treating Covid-19 patients, as it found to effectively filter particles as small as 0.25microns. The project funded by DRDO also has a defence application, where it can be used as a filter for armoured vehicle engines.


The researchers said the nano-coated filter has been fabricated with a nylon-based polymer coating on a cellulose paper through electrospinning fibre production method. Some of the applications for the filter according to the researchers include face mask, respiratory devices, air purification systems in operation theatres, cabin air filter in aircraft, air filters for armoured vehicle engines and computer hard disk drive filters.

Professor K Arul Prakash, department of applied mechanics, IIT Madras, said the nano-coating fabricated through the electrospinning process has fibre diameter less than 1micron and can be positioned according to the need to enhance surface/depth filtration for healthcare workers or public responders.

"Nano-coated filter media have much better reverse cleanability behaviour, resulting in an extended durability of air filters. This will save a huge cost for defence applications, where the filters are currently imported from developed countries," he added.

The project was a collaborative effort with faculty from various departments of IIT-M. At present, researchers are working to optimize the coating parameters of nanomaterials for bulk manufacturing at an affordable cost and testing the antiviral properties.

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